Nigeria gets 2nd batch of Türkiye’s T129 Atak helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) continues to strengthen its defense capabilities with the delivery of a second batch of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 Atak attack helicopters purchased from Türkiye.

With this delivery, the number of Atak helicopters in the NAF’s inventory increased to four.

Agreement, cost

After two years of negotiations, the Nigerian defense authorities and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) signed an agreement in July 2022 for the supply of a total of six T129 Atak helicopters.

The estimated cost of each helicopter is approximately 45 million dollars. The NAF received the first two T129 Atak helicopters on November 1, 2023. With the delivery of the second batch, the last two helicopters under the agreement are expected to be delivered soon.

T129 Atak’s specifications

The T129 Atak is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role attack helicopter designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions. Equipped with advanced avionics and a variety of weapon options, the helicopter is capable of operating effectively in challenging geographical and operational conditions. The helicopter’s weapon systems include:

• Up to 8 Umtas (long-range anti-tank missiles)
• Eight Stinger air-to-air missiles
• 20 mm three-barreled Gatling-type gun with a 500-round capacity
• 76 unguided 70 mm rockets or 16 Cirit laser-guided missiles

Defense cooperation, impacts

This procurement agreement is an important part of Nigeria’s defense modernization program, as well as reinforcing Türkiye’s success in defense industry exports.

The introduction of Atak helicopters into Nigeria’s inventory will significantly increase the country’s air power and have the potential to affect regional security balances.

Defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Nigeria has made significant progress in recent years. In particular, Türkiye’s sale of TAI T129 Atak attack helicopters to Nigeria attracts attention.

The Defense Industry Cooperation Agreement, signed in October 2021, established a legal basis for defense industry cooperation between the two countries.

This agreement sets the framework for effective cooperation in the development, production, supply, maintenance, and technical and logistical support of defense products and services.