Ukraine rejects Nigeria's outdated Mi‑24 helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had plans to sell their Mi-24 attack helicopters. Ukraine initially expressed interest in acquiring these machines, but after a detailed analysis of the technical condition of the Nigerian helicopters, they were deemed outdated and damaged. Consequently, Kyiv decided not to proceed with the transaction.
Ukraine is actively seeking affordable military equipment in various markets. The Africa Intelligence portal reported that it recently approached Abuja to consider purchasing Mi-24 helicopters, which date back to the USSR era. Hasan Abubakar, the Nigerian air marshal, who has been focusing on modernizing the fleet for several years, saw an opportunity to offload the old machines while making a profit. He proposed that Ukraine purchase three heavy attack helicopters, Mi-24V (NATO code: Hind).
Similar machines were recently transferred to Ukraine by North Macedonia, as reported by Karolina Modzelewska, a journalist for Wirtualna Polska. The Mi-24 is an interesting helicopter. Due to its strong armour and significant firepower, it has earned the nickname "devil's chariot." This term was first used by the Afghans. Operational Mi-24s, which can travel at over 300 km/h, are currently serving successfully in the armies of Ukraine and Russia.
Ukraine does not want helicopters from Nigeria
However, the Ukrainians reached out to AAL Group, a company specializing in servicing and repairing helicopters and airplanes, to request an audit of the technical condition of the helicopters offered by the Nigerians.
It was revealed that none of the three available helicopters had been operational in the air for almost ten years. All were severely corroded and lacked essential components such as rotors and systems needed for landing, rendering them unusable. As a result, the transaction did not take place.
Nigerian helicopter fleet
About 25 years ago, Nigeria acquired helicopters from the Mi family (Mi-24V and Mi-35P) from Ukraine and Belarus. Currently, some of these machines are in such poor condition that they serve as guard posts at the entrance to the airbase in Port Harcourt.
Nigeria regularly strengthens its air force and expands its helicopter fleet. Two years ago, it placed an order for six Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters, which it has already begun receiving. Additionally, the United States approved the sale of 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Nigeria. These modern machines are also ordered by NATO countries for their needs. The Nigerian air force is also set to be strengthened by Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, planned for both training and light combat roles.
The Nigerian air force is second only to the Egyptian forces in Africa in terms of numbers. Available data indicate that in 2024, the NAF had more than 18,000 personnel, seven heavy combat drones, and 117 aircraft, including 55 helicopters.
