Nigerian Air Force receives 5 new aircraft including two Turkish-made T129 Atak helicopters.

As reported by Militarnyi, the Air Force of Nigeria recently received five new aircraft: two Turkish-made TAI T129 Atak helicopters, two Diamond 62 airplanes manufactured by the Austrian company Diamond Aircraft, and one King Air 360ER from Textron Aviation. The King Air 360ER has been specially modified to conduct reconnaissance missions.
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Turkish made Aselsan T129 Atak helicopters demonstrating capabilities (Picture source: Anatolia)

In addition to these fixed-wing aircraft, the Nigerian Air Force was also equipped with two state-of-the-art Turkish T129 ATAK attack helicopters. This acquisition brings the total number of T129 Ataks ordered by Nigeria to six, with the first two helicopters having been delivered in November 2023.

It is worth mentioning that Nigeria is now the third foreign country to procure Turkish helicopters, following Pakistan and the Philippines. However, the specific terms of the contract, its value, and the contents of the purchase package have not been disclosed by either party involved.

Internally, the armament consists of an Alenia Difesa TM-197B triple-tube cannon, chambered for 20mm ammunition. Externally, there are various options for mounting additional firepower. The Atak boasts four external hardpoints, each with its own set of possibilities. These hardpoints can accommodate a variety of ordnance. One option is to mount 38 rockets of 81mm caliber or 76 rockets of 70mm caliber. Alternatively, it can be equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun, adding anti-infantry and light vehicle suppression to its repertoire. For anti-armor engagements, the Atak can be armed with eight AGM-114L Hellfire missiles or BGM-71 TOW missiles. In addition to its ground-attack capabilities, the Atak can carry two AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles, providing it with the means to engage and neutralize enemy aircraft.

Official reception of the T129 Atak by the Nigerian Air Force in February 2024 (Picture source : Nigerian Air Force)

T129 Atak (Picture source: Usman A Khan/Abdullah Niazi)