Nigeria’s nearly $1 billion US arms programme advances as Bell starts building 12 Viper helicopters

US aerospace company Bell Textron has begun producing 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Nigeria, advancing a military acquisition approved by Washington as part of a wider package valued at an estimated $997 million.

• US aerospace company Bell Textron has started producing 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Nigeria.
• The aircraft are being manufactured under a $455 million contract connected to a wider US-approved package estimated at $997 million.
• The broader package includes 28 engines, 2,000 precision-guidance kits, guns, targeting systems, training and logistical support.
• Bell expects production to be completed in early 2029 as Nigeria expands its combat-aircraft fleet with platforms from the US, Italy and Türkiye.

The start of production was marked by a beam-signing ceremony at Bell’s assembly facility in Amarillo, Texas, where Nigerian officials inspected the production line and signed the frame of the first aircraft destined for the Nigerian Air Force.

The visit was led by Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who described the production milestone as part of the country’s effort to develop a more effective combat force.

“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force,” Mr Aneke said, according to PUNCH⁠.

The aircraft are being built under the US Foreign Military Sales programme, through which Washington manages defence sales to approved international partners.

Nigeria’s first Viper enters production

Bell said⁠ the Nigerian delegation toured its Amarillo facility and ceremonially signed the first helicopter’s frame.

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“We are honored to host the Nigerian Air Force and share this milestone in production for the AH-1Z,” Bell’s H-1 programme director, Scott Sims, said.

“The beam of the first production Viper for Nigeria will forever carry the names, hopes, and commitment of those who brought this aircraft to life.”

Bell expects production of the 12 aircraft to be completed in early 2029. Alongside manufacturing the helicopters, the company will provide engineering, programme management and logistical support.

The new timetable represents a later completion date than the one initially attached to the contract. When the US government awarded Bell the contract in March 2024, it said work was expected to be completed in July 2028.

$455 million contract within a $997 million programme

The production contract awarded to Bell is worth $455 million, but it represents only part of Nigeria’s wider Viper acquisition.

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The US State Department approved the possible sale in April 2022 at an estimated maximum value of $997 million. That broader package covered 12 helicopters, 28 T700 engines, 24 installed and four spares, and 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections.

It also included 20mm guns, targeting and night-vision systems, communications equipment, spare parts, personnel training and technical and logistical support.

The two figures should not be treated as competing prices. The $455 million contract covers the aircraft’s production and specified support services, while the $997 million figure was the estimated ceiling for the complete military package submitted to the US Congress.

Foreign Military Sales notifications also represent maximum estimated values. The final cost can change depending on the equipment, services and quantities eventually supplied.

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What the Viper adds to Nigeria’s air power

The AH-1Z is a twin-engine attack helicopter originally developed for the US Marine Corps. It is designed for close-air support, armed reconnaissance, aerial escort and operations against armoured or fortified targets.

The aircraft has a nose-mounted three-barrel 20mm cannon and can carry precision-guided and unguided weapons. Its possible configuration includes up to eight Hellfire missiles, fourteen 70mm rockets and 650 rounds of 20mm ammunition.

Nigeria’s approved package lists 2,000 guidance kits that can convert compatible 70mm rockets into laser-guided weapons. It does not, however, specify an allocation of Hellfire or Sidewinder missiles.

Nigerian Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft would strengthen the service’s response to domestic security threats.

“The Bell AH-1Z Viper will play an important role in strengthening our counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations and enhancing our ability to protect the citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

“We are pleased with the Viper’s advanced capabilities and interoperability and look forward to its induction as a key platform in our attack helicopter fleet.”

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Nigeria builds a more diverse combat fleet

The Vipers will join an increasingly diverse Nigerian combat-aircraft fleet assembled from American, Turkish, Italian and other foreign manufacturers.

Nigeria already operates 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft purchased from the United States under a separate programme worth approximately $593 million. The aircraft were delivered between 2021 and 2022.

The Air Force also acquired six T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries. The first two were inducted in February 2024 for counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, anti-kidnapping and operations against oil theft.

Six days before the Viper ceremony was reported, Nigeria received five additional helicopters: three AW109 Trekkers manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo and two H125 helicopters made by Airbus.

The country is also expecting 24 M-346 fighter and trainer aircraft from Italy, while the Nigerian Army is separately acquiring 12 MD 530F light-attack helicopters.