Nigeria Wants Turkey to Fast-track Delivery of Six T129 helicopters

Nigeria pressed Turkey to accelerate the delivery of six T129 attack helicopters during the recent diplomatic visit of Hidayet Bayraktar, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Turkey, to the African nation.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) confirmed at the Farnborough Airshow 2022 that Nigeria has secured a contract for six T129 helicopters. The Nigerian Air Chief later announced in January 2023 that these helicopters are expected to be delivered by the end of the first quarter of the same year.

In May, more than 25 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force landed in Turkey for training on the use and maintenance of T129 ATAK helicopters.

Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar urged Ambassador Bayraktar to expedite the T129 helicopter delivery, emphasizing its importance. During his visit to NAF Headquarters on Oct.3, Ambassador Bayraktar committed to enhancing NAF's manufacturing and maintenance capabilities, ensuring timely TK-1 helicopter delivery and effective maintenance.

The proposed delivery of six T129 helicopters will provide NAF with enhanced aerial firepower, potentially boosting its effectiveness in counterinsurgency operations and other defense activities.