Turkey has announced that it will deliver the first batch of T-129 ATAK helicopters to Nigeria as part of its support for the country’s fight against criminality. The T-129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-purpose, all-weather attack helicopter produced by the Turkish Aerospace Industry.
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, made this known at the 100th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, held in Abuja. He said that Turkey will continue to build on its existing partnership with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, who faces the challenges of terrorism in the country.
The Nigerian government procured six T-129 helicopters last year, and they are expected to be delivered to the Nigerian Air Force before the end of the first quarter of 2023. The helicopters will be used for counter-terrorism operations in the country, where various armed groups have been causing insecurity and violence.