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Gateway to Africa: India to Sign Helicopter Deal with Nigeria

© Photo : GAGAN DEEP SINGH/ HALLCH
LCH  - Sputnik India, 1920, 19.09.2024
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Indian defenсe technology is generating new opportunities in Africa as countries show growing interest in products such as the BrahMos missile and the light combat helicopter, thereby enhancing India’s military export portfolio, according to experts.
Nigeria is set to boost its military by becoming the first country to acquire four light combat helicopters (LCH) from India's Hindistan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) through a soft credit deal. The move marks a significant milestone in global defence partnerships, as per the Financial Express.
The report highlights that Nigerian Army officers have successfully completed their training on Dhruv helicopters at the HAL Rotary Wing Academy, which has been essential for their preparation for the advanced LCH.
Sources in the defence and security sectors have confirmed that negotiations are nearing completion, with an agreement expected soon.

One advantage of this deal is that it strengthens Nigeria’s defence capabilities, especially in peacekeeping missions across Africa, Captain (Retd) Sarabjeet S Parmar, a distinguished fellow at the United Service Institution of India, told Sputnik India.

This underscores the strong defence relations between India and Nigeria, as Indian forces have set up multiple training institutions in the African country to promote ongoing cooperation, Parmar emphasised.

He also mentioned that Indian defence technology in Africa is creating new opportunities, with countries increasingly interested in products like the BrahMos missile, which expands India's defence export inventory.

Nigeria could serve as a gateway for this growth, as the success of one nation using these technologies encourages others to consider their effectiveness, making them attractive purchases, he stressed.
Nigeria has assessed several global manufacturers like European Airbus and Turkiye’s TAI as well, however HAL's LCH is notable for its versatility and proven performance.

LHC is capable of engaging slow-moving aerial targets, countering insurgency, destroying enemy defences, conducting search and rescue or anti-tank operations, and reconnaissance.

Considering that terrorism and the actions of groups like Boko Haram*, ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province)*, ISIS*, as well as, economically driven conflicts in the Niger Delta and separatist movements, have emerged as major challenges across Africa, particularly in Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria itself, "the state requires a ground attack aircraft, making the LCH Dhruv a fitting choice," Gurjit Singh, former Indian ambassador to various countries, echoed in a conversation with Sputnik India.
Singh concluded that the helicopters' competitive pricing and India’s option of soft credit create a unique advantage for Nigeria, as such financing is hard to find elsewhere.
*terrorist organisations banned in Russia and other countries
India's Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani leaves after addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a business event to attract investments to the Gujarat state, in Gandhinagar, India, Wednesday, Jan.10, 2024. - Sputnik India, 1920, 16.09.2024
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