The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has awarded a $21 million contract to Bulgarian arms broker Kalandor for the supply of 5,000 70mm rockets and 50 CIRIT laser-guided rockets. This contract, set to span 14 months, aims to boost the NAF’s offensive capabilities, particularly in arming its newly acquired T-129 attack helicopters.
The contract, awarded by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule, also includes 200,000 rounds of 20mm x 102 calibre ammunition, further enhancing the firepower available to NAF’s operational fleet. According to Africa Intelligence, Turkish firms MKE and Roketsan are involved in the project, with MKE expected to deliver the first batch of rockets and Roketsan to manufacture the subsequent orders.
This development aligns with Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar’s commitment to modernizing the NAF’s combat arsenal. Besides these rocket acquisitions, the NAF has been focused on expanding its fleet. In October, NAF finalized discussions with Italian defense firm Leonardo S.P.A. to procure 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, adding to the two already in service.
Kalandor, a regular supplier of light weapons to the Nigerian Army, is reportedly working to establish ties with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to support future collaborative defense projects. The NAF’s recent acquisitions reflect a broader strategy to counter armed groups and terrorism across Nigeria, with a planned expansion to include 50 new aircraft to bolster air capabilities.
