# Progress on Nigeria’s AH-1Z Viper acquisition

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/02/progress-on-nigerias-ah-1z-viper-acquisition/
- Published: 2024-02-03T11:13:17+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has confirmed the sale of the Bell
AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter to Nigeria, with a related contract notification posted
on 19 December.

Having [approved the sale](https://www.military.africa/2022/04/nigeria-finally-gets-ah-1z-attack-helicopter-purchase-approval/)
of 12 helicopters in April 2022, Nigeria’s procurement was confirmed with the announcement
that Northrop Grumman had been awarded a USD7.7 million contract modification “for
the production and delivery of an additional 32 H-1 tech refresh mission computers
in support of the AH-1Z aircraft for the government of Nigeria”. The proposed deal
included 28 T-700 GE 401C engines, 2 000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (
APKWS) guidance sections, M197 20 mm guns, sighting systems, night vision equipment,
technical and logistics support. Work on this contract is expected to be completed
by June 2024.

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Nigeria’s total AH-1Z procurement was estimated by the US Defense Security Cooperation
Agency (DSCA) to be valued at USD997 million, and comprised the helicopters, related
equipment, spares, weapons, training, and support.

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Nigeria had earlier expressed interest in procuring the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
However, the the [business was deferred](https://www.military.africa/2021/11/nigerias-ah-1-cobra-deal-is-still-in-the-pipeline/)
due to issues regarding potential human rights violations by the Nigerian authorities.
During the tenure of President Barack Obama, the United States curtailed arms sales
to Nigeria. Conversely, the ascension of President Donald Trump to office in 2016
marked a shift in policy. The Trump administration consented to the sale of [12 A-29 Super Tucano](https://www.military.africa/2021/10/nigerias-a-29-super-tucanos-and-bandits/)
light attack aircraft to Nigeria. These aircraft, which are produced by the Sierra
Nevada Corporation within the United States, have subsequently been utilized by 
Nigeria in its efforts against terrorist factions.

Besides the AH-1Zs, the Nigerian Army is acquiring [12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2023/03/nigerian-army-aviation-corps-orders-cayuse-warrior-scout-helicopters/)
from MD Helicopters, and in November last year received the first of [six T-129 ATAK helicopters ](https://www.military.africa/2023/11/nigeria-takes-delivery-of-t-129-atak-helicopters-from-turkey/)
from Turkish Aerospace Industries.

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