The NIGERIAN AIR FORCE (NAF) recently received five new aircraft, consisting of two TA T129 ATAK helicopters made by Turkiye, two Diamond 62 aircraft manufactured by the Austrian company Diamond Aircraft, and one King Air 360ER made by Textron Aviation. The King Air 360ER aircraft had been specially modified to carry out reconnaissance missions.
Previously the NAF had been equipped with two advanced T129 ATAK attack helicopters. This acquisition brings the total number of T129 ATAKs ordered by Nigeria to six. The first two helicopters were delivered in November 2023.
Nigeria becomes the third foreign country to purchase Turkiye helicopters, after Pakistan and the Philippines.
The T129 ATAK is equipped with an Alenia Difesa TM-197B three-tube cannon with 20mm ammunition. Externally, there are various options for mounting additional weapons. The ATAK has four external hardpoints, each of which can accommodate various weapons. One option is to install 38 81mm caliber rockets or 76 70mm caliber rockets.
Alternatively, the helicopter can be equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, adding anti-infantry and light vehicle suppression capabilities to its repertoire. For anti-armored combat,
The ATAK can be armed with eight AGM-114L Hellfire missiles or BGM-71 TOW missiles. In addition to its ground attack capability, the ATAK can carry two AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles , providing a means to attack and neutralize enemy aircraft.
