NEWTOWN, Conn. - The first two Nigerian Air Force AgustaWestland AW101 VIP helicopters have taken their maiden flight at AgustaWestland's facility in the United Kingdom on September 19. When they are delivered, they will join Nigeria's helicopter fleet, which is set to expand following a recent order for an estimated 40 Mi-35M and Mi-171Sh helicopters.
The Nigerian AW101s were originally scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Air Force, but the Indian contract was subsequently cancelled following allegations of bribery and corruption.
Meanwhile, in its determination to eliminate terrorism and dismantle terrorist organization Boko Haram, the Nigerian Government has also ordered 40 attack and transport helicopters from Russia. These helicopters could start arriving as early as this month and the remainder could arrive by the end of the year.
The mounting pressure to rid northern Nigeria from Boko Haram's influence has both the government's and the armed forces' focus. Tensions have reached new heights since 2011 as the terrorist group has grown more sophisticated and their rumored links with al-Qaeda have become more probable.
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