[Video] A Look at Nigerian military Attack Helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) stands as a formidable pillar of defence for Nigeria, equipped with a diverse range of attack helicopters designed to protect the nation’s interests.

These versatile aircraft, built by some of the most renowned manufacturers in the world, play a pivotal role in ensuring the security and sovereignty of the country.

In this article, we will explore the remarkable fleet of attack helicopters within the Nigerian Air Force, showcasing their capabilities and contributions to national defence.

1. Bell AH-1Z Viper:
   The Bell AH-1Z Viper, an advanced variant of the time-tested Cobra helicopter, is one of the key attack helicopters in the NAF’s arsenal. Known for its agility and firepower, the AH-1Z boasts advanced avionics and weapons systems that enable it to engage both ground and aerial targets with precision. Last year, the United States government approved the sale of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters to Nigeria, valued at almost $1 billion. Nigeria requested for twelve AH-1Z Attack Helicopters, 28 T-700 GE 401C engines (24 installed, 4 spares); 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance sections. Since July 2021, US Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have been delaying the AH-1Z and its associated parts as well as other defence systems from being sold to Nigeria by Israel.
2. TAI T-129 ATAK:
   The TAI T-129 ATAK, a Turkish attack helicopter, has been integrated into the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to bolster its combat capabilities. With its sophisticated avionics and weapon systems, the T-129 ATAK is equipped to operate in diverse terrains and undertake a wide range of missions. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will supply six T-129 ATAK helicopters to Nigeria under a recent contract signing. A Defense Industry Cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey started in October 2021, during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Nigeria. An earlier bilateral relations between the two countries took place on Monday 30 August 2021, when the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Hidaye Bayraktar paid a courtesy call to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. Subsequently, in January several leading Turkish defence companies pitched their hardware to the Nigerian military leadership in a bid to make some sales. Airbus, TAI, and HAL competed for Nigeria’s attack helicopter contract. Which has now been clinched by TAI.
3. Mil Mi-24V, Mi-35P, and Mi-35M Hind:
   The Mil Mi-24/35 series, commonly known as the “Hind,” represents a crucial element of the NAF’s attack helicopter fleet. The Mi-24V, Mi-35P, and Mi-35M variants provide a mix of firepower and troop transport capacity, making them highly effective in combat and support roles. In 2017 and 2018, the Nigerian Air Force received a fresh batch of the Russian-made Mil Mi-35M SuperHind assault helicopters on April 30th, which are part of a haul of twelve brand new units ordered from Russian Helicopters in September 2015.
4. Leonardo AW-109SP:
   The Leonardo AW-109SP, known as the is another integral asset in the NAF’s aviation lineup. This light attack helicopter excels in reconnaissance, surveillance, and close air support missions due to its agility and adaptability. In December 2018, The Nigerian Air Force placed an order for six Leonardo AW109 helicopters, they are the AW109M, the militarised version of the AW109E that can be armed with heavy machine gun pods and 70 mm rocket launchers.
5. MD330F Cayuse Warrior Plus:
   The MD330D Cayuse Warrior Plus is a derivative of the MD Helicopters MD530F, well-suited for scouting, light attack, and armed reconnaissance missions. Its compact size and manoeuvrability make it an excellent choice for operations in challenging terrains. Early this year, Nigeria selected the MD Helicopters (MDH) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus (CWP) light attack helicopter, which was announced on 7 March. The Army ordered another 12 sets of attack helicopters after it had initially ordered 24 of such from the US-based company to be deployed against insurgency.
6. AS332 Super Puma:
   While primarily designed for troop transport and utility tasks, the AS332 Super Puma also possesses capabilities that can be harnessed for limited attack roles. The NAF employs this versatile helicopter for various operational needs. Some of Nigeria’s Super Pumas have been militarised and armed with 70mm rocket pods, and machine guns. The helicopter has seen combat in the northeastern theatre.
7. Mil Mi-171E Assault Helicopter:
   The Mil Mi-171E serves as an assault helicopter in the NAF’s inventory. Its substantial lifting capacity and adaptable design make it suitable for both combat and humanitarian missions, providing valuable support in various scenarios. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on 2 December 2020 received a second Mi-171E helicopter from Serbia, to boost its counter-terrorism fight in the Northeastern region, while the first Mi-171E with registration 581 arrived a year earlier.

The Nigerian Air Force’s collection of attack helicopters reflects its commitment to maintaining a robust and capable military force.

With helicopters like the Bell AH-1Z Viper, TAI T-129 ATAK, Mil Mi-24 series, Leonardo AW-109SP, MD330F Cayuse Warrior Plus, AS332 Super Puma, and Mil Mi-171E in its ranks, the NAF is well-equipped to face a diverse range of challenges.

These helicopters showcase the synergy between advanced technology, strategic planning, and the dedicated personnel operating them, all contributing to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and security.