Nigerian govt acquires new ‘attack helicopters’… 

MD Helicopters (MDH), a top aircraft manufacturing company, has announced a new contract deal to deliver new “attack helicopters” to Nigeria.

The aircraft is known as 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus.

The aircraft company announced the deal in a statement issued on Thursday.

“MD Helicopters (MDH) closed a contract with the Nigerian federal government for 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus Scout/Attack helicopters during a signing ceremony in Nigeria,” the statement by the agency said.

According to the statement, the aircraft will be operated by the Nigerian Army Aviation to effectively tackle the security challenges in the country.

It said the acquisition of the new attack helicopters is part of ongoing efforts by the federal government to enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Army Aviation towards achieving constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment.

The latest development came about three months after MDH in June announced that the production of the first three of 12 Cayuse Warrior Plus Scout/Attack helicopters selected by the Nigerian government earlier this year is underway at their facility in Arizona.

At the time, the company said the helicopters were chosen to support counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria and are scheduled to be delivered over the next two years.

While stating that President Bola Tinubu has approved payment for the procurement of 12 attack helicopters for the Nigerian Army, Mr Lagbaja said the new aircraft would also contribute to the overall operational success of joint and coalition troops.

On his part, MD Helicopters President and Chief Executive Officer, Brad Pedersen, said: “MD Helicopters is grateful for the trust of the Nigerian government, and we’re excited to showcase this purpose-built, best value solution to Nigeria and the world.”