Niger’s Air Force has officially taken delivery of the second of three C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from the United States.
The US military formally transferred the aircraft (5U-MMS) to the Nigerien Armed Forces on 7 December during a ceremony at Nigerien Air Base 101 in the capital Niamey. The ceremony was attended by defence minister Alkassoum Indatou and other dignitaries.
Niger received the first (5U-MBH) of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the US in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.
Since 2015, the United States said it has invested more than $30 million in the development of the Niger Air Force’s C-130 programme including a training component, purchase of spare parts, infrastructure, fuel and support equipment.
Niger’s third C-130H is due to arrive in the first half of 2022.