Mi-35Ms for Nigeria

The first two Mi-35M attack helicopters ordered by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have been delivered to the service and officially inducted during celebrations marking 53rd anniversary of the NAF at Makurdi Air Base on 21 April. The balance 10 are due to be delivered this year. As well as procurement of the Mi-35Ms, the NAF will overhaul its two former Russian Air force Mi-35Ps.

Meanwhile, the US government plans to sell up to 12 Sierra Nevada Corporation A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Nigeria for use against Boko Haram Islamic extremists. Nigeria has been seeking the purchase of Super Tucanos since 2015, but previous plans were frustrated after reports of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) allegedly “bombing civilians”.