Nigeria announces very ambitious plan to acquire several dozen aircraft and helicopters

Nigeria has announced plans to acquire 50 new military aircraft to strengthen its anti-terrorism forces.

Here's What We Know

Speaking at the opening of two new aircraft hangars in northwestern Nigeria, Nigerian Air Force Chief Hassan Bala Abubakar said the country would purchase 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and another dozen AW109 multi-role helicopters. Nigeria also wants to purchase 24 M-346 light combat trainer aircraft and two C-295 light turboprop transport aircraft.

Abubakar explained that the new aircraft will be used to strengthen the military offensive against jihadist groups and armed gangs terrorising the north-western and central states of Nigeria.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to begin next year. However, Nigerian defence analyst Mike Ejiofor has directly questioned the purpose of the plan, saying that the acquisition of dozens of military aircraft is "overly ambitious".

He also said that the move may be a misstep, as Abuja (Nigeria's capital) could use the funds to train ground troops to better carry out counter-terrorism missions.

Source: Voanews