The United States government has approved a potential $346 million foreign military sale to Nigeria, covering a wide range of ammunition, precision-guided bombs, and rockets aimed at bolstering the country’s counter-terrorism and anti-trafficking operations.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) disclosed the approval on Wednesday, stating that the package includes 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500lb bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 air foil groups for 500lb Paveway II GBU-12, 515 MXU-1006 air foil groups for 250lb Paveway II GBU-58, 1,517 computer control groups for Paveway II bombs, 1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II all-up rounds.
Also included are non-major defence equipment such as bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration support, test equipment, and logistics services.
Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and BAE Systems have been named as principal contractors for the deal.
According to the DSCA, the proposed sale will enhance Nigeria’s capability to combat terrorist organisations and stem illicit trafficking both within its borders and in the Gulf of Guinea. The agency emphasised that the agreement would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The final cost, DSCA noted, will depend on Nigeria’s specific requirements, available budget authority, and the signing of formal agreements.
This approval follows a similar move in 2022, when the US authorised an estimated $997 million sale of military hardware to Nigeria, which included 12 attack helicopters and night vision systems.
Leave a Reply