SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Nigerian Army has announced its plans to acquire four Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) through a soft credit arrangement as reported by ” Financial Express Online “. This decision comes amidst escalating violence in the region, fueled by the resurgence of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) following the recent withdrawal of French forces from the Sahel.
The Nigerian Army’s choice of the LCH over other contenders, such as TAI’s T-129 ATAK helicopter, was reportedly influenced by cost considerations. The LCH, a domestically developed Indian helicopter, is believed to offer a more cost-effective solution for the Nigerian Army’s requirements.
The Nigerian Army Aviation Wing has been actively expanding its fleet to meet the growing challenges posed by insurgency and terrorism. In addition to the LCH, the Army has ordered 36 Cayuse Warrior Scout helicopters, Bell 412EP, Eurocopter EC135, and Bell UH-1D utility helicopters. To complement its rotary-wing fleet, the Army has also acquired fixed-wing aircraft like the MF-212 light aircraft (20 units ordered).
Furthermore, the Army has been investing in autonomous platforms, including the Textron Aerosonde UAS, Chinese Ziyan UAS Blowfish, and Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide valuable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Unlike the Nigerian Air Force, which operates aircraft designed for high-altitude missions and aerial bombardment, the Army Aviation Wing focuses on helicopters and low-flying aircraft for close-air support. This capability is crucial for counter-insurgency operations, where precision strikes and maneuverability are essential.
The acquisition of the LCH from HAL represents a significant step forward for the Nigerian Army’s modernization efforts. The LCH’s advanced capabilities, coupled with its cost-effectiveness, make it a valuable asset for countering the threats posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP.
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