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MD Helicopters closes contract with Nigeria for 12 Warrior Plus helicopters
September 28, 2023 By Helicopters Staff
Executives from MD Helicopters met with the Nigerian military leadership to finalize the contract for the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus helicopters (left to right): Stephen Suttles, Senior Director Sales, Middle East, MD Helicopters; Brad Pedersen, President and CEO, MD Helicopters; LTG Lagbaja, Chief of Nigerian Army Staff; Chief Okunowo; Olushile Okunowo; and BG Alkali, The Acting Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation. (Photo: MD Helicopters) MD Helicopters closed a contract with the Nigerian federal government for 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus Scout/Attack helicopters during a signing ceremony in Nigeria. The aircraft will be operated by the Nigerian Army Aviation to focus on security challenges in the country.
MD Helicopters (MDH) explains the acquisition of the new attack helicopters is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Army Aviation toward achieving constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment. MDH will begin delivering the aircraft to Nigeria in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, noted that the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus attack helicopters would operationalize the Nigerian army aviation unit, which was set up to improve ground troops’ agility, responsiveness, and efficacy during operations. The COAS added that it would also contribute to the overall operational success of joint and coalition troops.
“MD Helicopters is grateful for the trust of the Nigerian government, and we’re excited to showcase this purpose built, best value solution to Nigeria and the world,” said MD Helicopters President and CEO Brad Pedersen, who attended the ceremony alongside Nigerian military leadership.
The Cayuse Warrior is a tactical scout and light attack aircraft built from the MD 530F design. The ‘Plus’ variant features mission enhancements to weapons systems, avionics improvements, armour, and increased power performance. The Nigerian selection includes a complete ILS package, spares, pilot and maintainer training, and a simulator.
