The Nigerian Army has taken a significant step in bolstering its military capabilities with the establishment of its own aviation corps. This move has been further strengthened by the announcement of a $3.2 million investment for the construction of the first Army aviation hangar at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State.
Brigadier General Musa Alkali, the Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, disclosed the development during a meeting with Governor Umar Bago of Niger. The funding for this project is set to be provided by the Pan-African Business Forum as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, marking a new era in the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness.
The new hangar is expected to house an impressive fleet of aerial assets, including 12 MD530 Cayuse Warrior series attack helicopters, 10 Bayrakter TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and 8 Magnus light attack aircraft. These platforms are crucial for the Army’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol operations, providing a significant boost to the nation’s defense capabilities.
In addition to these assets, the Nigerian Army Aviation will also acquire modernized manned helicopters such as the Bell UH-1D utility helicopter, along with fixed-wing aircraft like the MF-212 light aircraft. The hangar will also accommodate fully autonomous platforms like the Textron Aerosonde UAS and Ziyan UAS Blowfish, enhancing the pilots’ ability to operate at a safe distance from potential threats.
The establishment of the hangar is not only a strategic move in terms of asset acquisition but also in improving the efficiency of aircraft maintenance processes, which have previously faced delays.
The Nigerian Army’s vision for a robust aerial domain capability has been in the works since 2020 when it announced plans to procure combat platforms, particularly attack helicopters, to support its troops in the northeastern theater. This vision is now coming to fruition with the order of eight MF-212 ISR and attack aircraft, Textron systems aerosonde 4.7 VTOL UAVs, ten Bayraktar TB2 drones, 12 MD530 Cayuse Warrior helicopters, and three Bell UH-1D transport helicopters.
Current Nigerian Army aviation capabilities include light transport and utility and unmanned systems in form of two Bell 412EP, three Eurocopter EC135 and a number of Textron Aerosonde MK4.7, Ziyan Blowfish UAS, and other DJI-type commercial-grade drones sourced from the civilian market.
Partnerships have played a pivotal role in this advancement, with the Nigerian Army collaborating with the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) and receiving support from the California National Guard. Additionally, the Nigerian Army has engaged with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the training of its officers, further solidifying its commitment to developing a competent and technologically advanced aviation unit.
This strategic investment in Army aviation signifies a transformative phase for the Nigerian Army, positioning it as a formidable force capable of rapid and effective response to security challenges within its borders and beyond.