Bulgarian arms dealer Kalandor has been tasked by the Nigerian Air Force to source for Turkish weapons systems and ammunition for its new T-129 attack helicopters.
In October, the Nigerian defence ministry headed by Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the head of the army General Christopher Musa led a drive to find new ammunition suppliers for Abuja.
Thus, the Nigerian Air Force awarded a contract worth $21m to the Bulgarian arms broker, Kalandor, for the supply of rockets.
The contract, which is expected to last 14 months, includes the delivery of 5,000 70mm rockets and 50 CIRIT laser-guided rockets.
A report by Africa Intelligence, stated that Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule awarded the contract to Kalandor. The report also noted that the Bulgarian arms broker would facilitate the delivery of 200,000 rounds of 20mm x 102 calibre ammunition for the Nigerian Air Force. As part of the business, Turkish firm MKE may deliver the first batch of rockets and the second will be manufactured by missile expert Roketsan, also Turkish.
Kalandor had already supplied the Nigerian Army with light weapons, adding that it was presently trying to create ties with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
Nigeria and Bulgaria already have an existing defence cooperations. In August 2021, a MoU between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Bulgaria was signed between the then Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) and the Bulgarian ambassador to Nigeria, Yanko V. Yordanov.
In 2022, Nigerian military leaders engaged with prominent Turkish defence companies to explore the acquisition of advanced military hardware. This engagement resulted in a contract for the procurement of six TAI T-129 ATAK helicopters being signed by Nigeria in July 2022, with an estimated unit price of $45 million.
Notably, the defence partnership between Nigeria and Turkey was formally initiated in October 2021 during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Nigeria. This marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two nations in the field of defense technology and operational efficiency.
To ensure the optimal utilization of the T-129 ATAK helicopters, Nigerian Air Force personnel embarked on training in Turkey in May 2023. The training program focuses on the operation and maintenance of these advanced helicopters and is expected to continue for several months.
In November 2023, Nigeria took delivery of the first batch of two TAI T-129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey. A Turkish Air Force A400M cargo plane carrying the T-129 attack helicopters touched down at the NAF Headquarters Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, Benue State on November 1, 2023, following its departure from the TAI facility near Ankara.
Subsequently, this October, the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of the second batch of two TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey, bolstering its military capabilities in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
The practice of using third-party arms dealers to procure military equipment has long been discouraged on the global stage due to its vulnerability to corruption, bribery, and kickbacks. This opaque method of procurement often results in inflated costs, substandard equipment, and diminished accountability, ultimately undermining the integrity and effectiveness of military operations.
Recognizing these pitfalls, the Nigerian military made a decisive shift several years ago, abandoning the use of third-party arms dealers in favor of a government-to-government business approach. This transition was aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring that military procurement processes are subject to stricter oversight and regulation.
By adopting direct government-to-government transactions, Nigeria has not only streamlined its procurement process but also reduced the risks associated with corruption. This approach ensures that deals are negotiated transparently, with clear terms and accountability measures. Moreover, it allows for better quality control and assurance that the equipment procured meets the specific needs and standards of the Nigerian military.
The shift to government-to-government procurement has also fostered stronger bilateral relations with other nations, as these transactions often come with strategic partnerships, training opportunities, and mutual support agreements. This collaborative approach has bolstered Nigeria’s defense capabilities and contributed to a more stable and secure military environment.
