Nigerian Air Force Receives Second Batch of T129 ATAK Helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force has received the second batch of two TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkiye, strengthening its capacity in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. This delivery, which arrived in September 2024, follows the first batch received in November 2023. The helicopters were transported by a Turkish Air Force A400M and landed at Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, Benue State. These helicopters will complement Nigeria’s existing fleet, including Mil Mi-24/35 and Agusta A-109 helicopters. This acquisition is part of Nigeria’s growing defense relationship with Turkiye, formalized during Turkish President Erdoğan's 2021 visit to Nigeria. The T129 helicopters are part of a broader contract signed in 2022 for six helicopters, with additional defense equipment such as Bayraktar TB2 drones expected in the future. Nigerian Air Force personnel have also undergone extensive training in Turkiye for the operation and maintenance of the T129s.