US Approves $346 Million Weapons Deal for Nigeria
By Lukman Babatope
The United States Government has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale worth $346 million to Nigeria, covering advanced munitions, precision bombs, precision rockets, and related equipment.
The approval, announced by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a statement dated August 13, follows a determination by the US State Department. The agency confirmed it has formally notified the US Congress of the proposed deal.
Details of the Approved Weapons Package
Under the request, Nigeria will acquire:
- 1,002 MK-82 general purpose 500-pound bombs
- 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for 500 lb Paveway II GBU-12
- 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for 250 lb Paveway II GBU-58
- 1,517 MAU-169 or MAU-209 computer control groups for Paveway II GBU-12/GBU-58
- 1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes
- 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) all-up-rounds
The package also includes FMU-139 programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration support, test equipment, and logistics services.
Boosting Nigeria’s Counterterrorism and Maritime Security
According to the DSCA, the sale aims to enhance Nigeria’s operational capacity to counter terrorist organisations, combat illicit trafficking, and strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“This proposed sale will improve Nigeria’s capability to meet current and future threats. Nigeria will have no difficulty integrating these munitions into its armed forces,” the agency stated.
The US emphasised that the deal will not alter the military balance in West Africa or affect US defence readiness.
Key Contractors and Implementation
The principal contractors for the potential sale are:
- RTX Missiles and Defence
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- BAE Systems
No offset agreements are currently in place, and no additional US military or contractor personnel will be deployed to Nigeria for implementation.
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