SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a recent interview with Indian media outlet NDTV, Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson for Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, expressed Nigeria’s keen interest in acquiring Indian defence technology, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Ngelale also mentioned Nigeria’s interest in technology transfers related to drones and more advanced armoured personnel carriers.
Nigeria’s Armed Forces have been actively modernizing their defence capabilities, with a particular focus on air superiority and ground attack capabilities. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently operates a range of advanced fighter jets, including the JF-17, F-7Ni, A-29 Super Tucanos, and the Alpha Jet. These aircraft are capable of engaging both aerial and ground threats, ensuring Nigeria’s air superiority.
Notably, in a recent move to enhance its combat capabilities, the NAF procured 24 Leonardo M-346FA light combat aircraft, which are intended to replace the older Alpha Jet ground attack aircraft.
In 2021, Nigeria received its first batch of three JF-17 fighter jets. However, since then, there has been limited information regarding additional orders for this type. Despite this, the NAF has made substantial investments in other aircraft, such as the M-346FA light combat aircraft, which highlights the diverse range of capabilities Nigeria is seeking to incorporate into its defence infrastructure.
Moreover, Nigeria’s Air Force also relies on Chinese-supplied Chengdu F-7 fighter jets, which complement the JF-17s for counter-insurgency operations. These operations are primarily aimed at combating terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast region.
Nigeria’s expressed interest in Indian defence technology, especially the LCA Tejas, reflects its commitment to further enhancing its defence capabilities and fostering international collaborations to achieve its goals. As Nigeria continues to modernize its armed forces, potential partnerships with countries like India could prove instrumental in addressing its evolving security needs.
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