The Nigerian government’s 2023 budget proposal makes provision for the payment of N27 billion ($61 million) towards the acquisition of T-129 attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). This comes after TAI CEO Temel Kotil revealed during the Farnborough International Air Show in July that Nigeria will receive a total of six T-129s, with deliveries in the near future. The T-129, based on the Leonard Helicopters A129 Mangusta, is in service with the Turkish military and has been exported to the Philippines.
It appears Nigeria will also be getting 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters from the United States – in April this year, the US approved the possible sale of 12 AH-1Zs to Nigeria under a potential $997 million deal that includes weapons and equipment. Nigeria has for some time shown interest in acquiring AH-1Z helicopters, but the deal was put on hold over concerns about possible human rights abuses by the Nigerian government.
Also confirmed was the delivery of two AW109 Trekker helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters – the 2023 budget proposal allocates N2 billion ($4.5 million) for the balance payment of these two aircraft.