US State Dept Approves $1 billion Sale of Cobra Attack Helicopters to Nigeria, Delayed over Human Rights Concerns
Written by on April 15, 2022
The U.S. State Department has cleared the sale of 12 AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria worth nearly $1 billion, apparently after U.S. lawmakers lifted objections over human rights concerns.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency on yesterday announced the sale of the helicopters and related defense systems to the Nigerian military. The package includes $25 million for human rights-related training.
The sale includes the Bell-made Cobras; 28 General Electric-made T700-401C engines; 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems used to convert unguided missies into precision-guided missiles; and night vision, targeting and navigation systems.
The case highlights the Biden administration’s attempts to balance human rights concerns in the arms sale process.