Niger Receives Second C-130H Hercules Aircraft to Support Sahel Operations

U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa delivered a second U.S.A.F. C-130H Hercules aircraft, formally transferred to the Nigerien armed forces during a Dec. 7 ceremony at the Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey.

The delivery supports Niger’s and coalition’s fight against violent extremist organizations throughout the Sahel, the service said.

“We proudly stand alongside our Nigerien partners as we celebrate the enhanced strength of our coalition force,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James Kriesel, National Guard assistant to the commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA. “Niger has built a defense framework committed to amplifying regional security and stability throughout the Sahel.”

Niger received the first of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.

Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas’ C-130 Formal Training Unit provided an international pilot training program.

The U.S. is providing enduring program support through infrastructure development, maintenance training, advisors, aviation parts, and other supporting equipment. The U.S. has recently refurbished a hangar, and funds are being provided to support the construction of a second hangar and an aviation parts warehouse.

In 2017, Niger became partners with the Indiana National Guard through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, and USAFE-AFAFRICA has expanded these relationships through security cooperation initiatives, force development programs, and participation in the recent Executive African Partnership Flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.