US begins production of 12 attack helicopters for Nigeria

Nigeria has moved closer to taking delivery of 12 US-made AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters after production of the aircraft commenced at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas.

The development marks a fresh stage in a defence acquisition programme that began with the United States approving a possible Foreign Military Sale of the helicopters and associated equipment to Nigeria in 2022.

Bell Textron announced the start of production after hosting a Nigerian Air Force delegation at its Amarillo Assembly Center on September 16, where the delegation toured the production line and participated in a ceremony to sign the frame of the first Viper being built for Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation was led by the Chief of  Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, while the Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, represented the service at the event.

Ejodame said the aircraft would contribute to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

“The Bell AH-1Z Viper will play an important role in strengthening our counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations and enhancing our ability to protect the citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

“We are pleased with the Viper’s advanced capabilities and interoperability and look forward to its induction as a key platform in our attack helicopter fleet.”

The AH-1Z Viper is an attack helicopter designed for armed operations and is capable of employing both precision-guided and unguided weapons. Bell said the aircraft was designed to provide multi-mission capability while maintaining a relatively small logistical footprint.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency had, in April 2022, notified Congress of the State Department’s approval of a possible $997 million Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria involving 12 AH-1Z helicopters.

The proposed package also included 28 T-700 GE 401C engines, including four spares, 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections, logistics and programme support, as well as training related to the law of armed conflict and air-to-ground integration.

Bell subsequently received a contract to manufacture and deliver the 12 helicopters to Nigeria, together with engineering, programme management and logistics support.

Bell said production of the Nigerian aircraft is expected to be completed in early 2029.

The latest development follows efforts by the Nigerian Air Force to monitor and accelerate the programme.

In January, the NAF said Air Marshal Aneke had led a programme management review meeting with US officials and Bell representatives in San Diego to assess the acquisition and work towards timely delivery of the helicopters.

The Air Force said the review focused on programme oversight, accountability, timelines and budget compliance.

The acquisition forms part of Nigeria’s wider effort to modernise its airpower capabilities as the military continues operations against terrorism, insurgency and other security threats.

The AH-1Z programme also represents a significant component of the longstanding defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States. The US government has previously supported Nigeria with military aircraft, training and other security assistance.

With production now underway, the 12 Vipers are expected to join the Nigerian Air Force after completion of manufacturing, testing and the associated delivery process.