Africa is a continent with diverse security challenges, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to piracy and smuggling. To address these threats, many African countries are investing in modernizing and expanding their military helicopter fleets, which offer mobility, versatility, and firepower. According to a 2023 International Military Helicopter report by Defence IQ, the African market for military helicopters is expected to account for a cumulative spending of US$2.2 billion through 2023-2028, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.
The report identifies four key markets in the region: Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya, which together account for more than 90% of the total spending. These countries have different operational requirements and procurement priorities, reflecting their strategic interests and security environments.
Egypt: The Largest Market in the Region
Egypt is the largest market for military helicopters in Africa, with a cumulative spending of US$990 million over the period 2023-2028. Egypt has a large and diverse helicopter fleet, comprising more than 300 platforms of various types and origins, including Russian, American, French, and Chinese models. Egypt’s main security challenges are countering terrorism and insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula and securing its borders with Libya and Sudan.
To enhance its capabilities, Egypt has embarked on several procurement and modernization programmes, involving both new and refurbished helicopters. The most significant programme is the acquisition of 23 CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopters from the United States for US$817 million, which will boost Egypt’s airlift and humanitarian assistance capabilities. Egypt is also upgrading its existing fleet of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters with new sensors and weapons, and procuring additional Mi-17 utility helicopters from Russia.
Heavy Lift Helicopter/CH-47F Chinook:
In May 2022, the U.S. State Department granted approval for a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 23 CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and associated equipment to Egypt, with an estimated cost of US$2.6 billon. Egypt intends to enhance its heavy lift capabilities by replacing its current fleet of CH-47D helicopters with the latest CH-47Fs. In January 2013, Boeing was awarded a contract to supply 12 CH-47F Chinooks to the Egyptian Air Force for US$426 million.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2026 and conclude by 2030. The project is estimated to cost approximately US$817 million, with US$651 million
allocated for expenditure between 2023 and 2028.
Nigeria: The Second-Largest Market in the Region
Nigeria is the second-largest market for military helicopters in Africa, with a cumulative spending of US$920 million over the period 2023-2028. Nigeria faces multiple security threats, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, the Niger Delta militancy in the south, and the banditry and kidnapping in the northwest. To combat these challenges, Nigeria relies heavily on its helicopter force, which comprises more than 100 platforms of various types and origins, including Russian, American, Italian, and Turkish models.
Nigeria’s main procurement focus is on acquiring new and advanced attack helicopters, which can provide close air support and precision strike capabilities. Nigeria has ordered 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States for US$372 million, which are expected to be delivered by 2024. Nigeria has also ordered six T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey for US$280 million, which are expected to be delivered by 2025. These helicopters will complement Nigeria’s existing fleet of Mi-35M and Mi-24V attack helicopters, which are also being upgraded with new avionics and weapons.
Cayuse Warrior Plus:
In March 2023, the Nigerian Army awarded MD Helicopters (MDH) a contract to manufacture and supply 12 Cayuse Warrior Plus Scout/Attack helicopters. These new heicopters will play a crucial role in supporting Nigerian soldiers in their counterterrorism operations and insurgency missions. Additionally, they will be utilized for regional security, tactical reconnaissance, and convoy escort operations within Nigeria.
As part of the contract, MDH is also responsible for providing integrated logistics support services, a Flight Training Device, spare parts, and pilot and maintainer training support.
In June 2023, MDH announced that production has commenced on the first three Cayuse Warrior heicopters at their facility in Arizona. These aircraft are scheduled to be delivered over the course of the next two years. While the exact cost of the contract has not been disclosed, it is estimated that Nigeria will allocate approximately US$253 million for the procurement of these helicopters.
Attack Helicopter/AH-1Z Viper:
In April 2022, the U.S. State Department approved a substantial order from Nigeria for Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters, totalling an estimated US$997 million. As part of this order, Nigeria will receive 12 of these advanced helicopters, along with a range of related equipment and
weapons. The package includes 28 General Electric T-700 engines, 2000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits, Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD) systems, communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, AN/AVS-9 Aviator’s Night
Vision Imaging Systems, M197 20mm machine guns, and Target Sight Systems (TSS).
A formal contract for this procurement is expected to be finalized in 2023. Nigeria is expected to spend approximately US$372 million excusvely for the helicopters’ procurement between 2023 and 2028. To be delivered by 2024.
Algeria: The Third-Largest Market in the Region
Algeria is the third-largest market for military helicopters in Africa, with a cumulative spending of US$240 million over the period 2023-2028. Algeria has a well-equipped and modern helicopter force, comprising more than 200 platforms of mainly Russian origin, including Mi-8/17, Mi-24/35, Mi-26, and Mi-28 models. Algeria’s main security challenges are countering terrorism and extremism in the Sahel region and maintaining stability and sovereignty in the face of regional tensions and conflicts.
To maintain its edge, Algeria is pursuing selective procurement and modernization programmes, involving both new and refurbished helicopters. Algeria plans to purchase 42 Mi-28NM Night Hunter attack helicopters from Russia, which are expected to be delivered by 2028. Algeria is also upgrading its existing fleet of Mi-24/35 attack helicopters with new sensors and weapons, and procuring additional Mi-26T2 heavy lift helicopters from Russia.
Kenya: The Fourth-Largest market
Kenya is the fourth-largest market for military helicopters in Africa, with a cumulative spending of US$80 million over the period 2023-2028. Kenya has a small and aging helicopter fleet, comprising less than 50 platforms of mainly American and Chinese origin, including UH-1, MD 500, and Z-9 models. Kenya’s main security challenges are countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency in Somalia and securing its borders with Ethiopia and South Sudan.
To enhance its capabilities, Kenya is acquiring new and refurbished helicopters, mainly from the United States. Kenya has ordered six MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopters from the United States for US$127 million, which are expected to be delivered by 2024. Kenya has also received 12 UH-1H Huey utility helicopters from the United States, which were refurbished and donated under the Excess Defense Articles programme.
Attack Helicopter/MD 530F:
In May 2017, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) formally requested the procurement of 12 MD 530F helicopters from the U.S. at an estimated cost of US$253 million.
Following this, MD Helicopters was awarded a contract to supply six MD530Fs to Kenya as part of a larger US$1.4
bilon agreement, which also includes the provision of up to 150 armed MD530Fs/MD530Gs to the U.S. and allied military forces. In February 2022, the KDF expressed its intention to acquire the remaining six MD 530 helicopters from the U.S. Army. The initial batch of six helicopters was delivered in December 2019 and officially commissioned into service in 2020. The remaning six helicopters are expected to be Attack Helicopter.
Conclusion
The African market for military helicopters is expected to witness significant growth and activity in the coming years, driven by the increasing security challenges and the rising demand for mobility, versatility, and firepower. The region offers opportunities for both new and refurbished helicopters, as well as for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The leading suppliers in the region are the United States, Russia, Turkey, and China, which compete for market share and influence. The regional dynamics and developments will have implications for the global military helicopter market and industry.