US approves $346m sale of precision bombs, rockets to Nigeria

The US State Department has approved a potential sale of ammunition, precision bombs, and precision rockets to Nigeria, valued at an estimated $346 million.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed that Nigeria requested the purchase of 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500 lb bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups (AFGs), and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II high-explosive warheads with MK66-4 rocket motors, among other items.

The proposed package also includes non-major defence equipment such as FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, as well as integration support and test equipment. Additionally, it covers technical, engineering, and logistics support from both the US government and contractors.

The DSCA named the sale contractors as Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence (RTX.N), and BAE Systems (BAES.L).

Lockheed is known for delivering advanced autonomous systems, aircraft, missiles, space launchers, and defence systems.

Some of its key products include the F-35 Lightning II fighter, C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, Patriot missile systems, and various missile defence technologies.

RTX is the world’s second-largest military company by revenue, producing aircraft engines, guided missiles, air defence systems, radars, and cybersecurity solutions.

Its missile and defence segment specialises in precision weapons, missile defence, radars, and command and control systems.

BAE Systems plc is a British multinational company headquartered in London and is the largest defence contractor in Europe and among the top globally.

It builds military aircraft, missiles, naval ships, armoured vehicles, and defence electronics.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the DSCA said.

“The proposed sale will improve Nigeria’s capability to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organisations and to counter illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”

The DSCA said the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region, noting that Nigeria would have no difficulty integrating the munitions into its armed forces.

The agency also said the description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity, adding that the total amount will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

In 2022, the US approved the sale of military equipment worth an estimated $997 million to Nigeria.

The weapons included 12 attack helicopters, 2,000 advanced precision kill weapon system guidance sections, and a night vision imaging system.