Tinubu Approves Procurement Of 12 Attack Helicopters For Nigerian Army

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the acquisition of 12 attack helicopters to bolster the capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

,,,,The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, during the inaugural Nigerian Army Aviation Seminar held on Tuesday in Abuja.

Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja disclosed that the acquisition of the 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters would operationalize the Nigerian Army’s aviation unit. This strategic move aims to enhance the agility, responsiveness, and effectiveness of ground troops during various operations.

In addition to improving ground forces, these helicopters will play a pivotal role in advancing the overall operational success of joint and coalition forces.

The COAS clarified that the army aviation unit typically operates independently from a nation’s dedicated air force, focusing on helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.

Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for endorsing the Nigerian Army’s aspiration to establish a well-equipped aviation unit, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja highlighted the importance of the unit in providing critical support to ground troops during tactical and operational engagements.

He pointed out that the experiences of countries such as the United States, Pakistan, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda serve as instructive examples in this field. The army aviation branches of these nations have demonstrated their effectiveness in countering contemporary security threats and offering vital assistance to ground forces.

To attain this objective, the Nigerian Army began revitalizing its aviation aspirations in 2014. Since then, substantial progress has been made in training pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, and ground support personnel.

Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja also mentioned that the Nigerian Army has sought guidance from the Nigerian Air Force to ensure the aviation unit’s proper development.

Regarding the seminar, the COAS explained that it aims to address potential challenges the unit may encounter and propose innovative solutions. It provides a platform for extensive discussions on critical issues and the future prospects of Nigerian army aviation, preemptively considering the unit’s evolving needs.