The US has awarded Bell Textron an $18-million contract to provide the Nigerian Air Force with an AH-1Z Viper flight training device.
The US has awarded Bell Textron an $18-million contract to provide the Nigerian Air Force with an AH-1Z Viper flight training device.
Bell will produce and deliver one training device and an initial spares kit for Nigeria. Work will be performed in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth, Texas, with completion expected in January 2029.
The training device will support Nigeria's preparations to operate the AH-1Z Viper, a twin-engine attack helicopter designed for close air support, armed escort, reconnaissance, fire support coordination, and anti-armor missions.
It uses a four-bladed composite rotor system, upgraded engines and transmission, a digital cockpit, and an integrated fire-control system. The helicopter can also carry a range of guided and unguided weapons.
Nigeria's acquisition of the helicopter dates to 2022, when the US State Department approved a $997-million sale for 12 AH-1Zs.
Nigeria Expands Military Training
Nigeria has worked to expand training for its armed forces alongside military manpower expansion following plans to recruit and train 28,000 additional troops to address insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats.
In June, the country opened a new Wargaming Center to strengthen military training and planning against evolving security threats. The facility supports practical and computer-assisted simulations, allowing troops to test campaign plans, assess deployment options, and explore alternative responses.
Earlier, in February, the US announced plans to deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical support as Abuja steps up its fight against jihadist groups.
