U.S. Approves Precision-Guided Munitions Sale to Nigeria

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) recently announces that the U.S. State Department approves the sale of weapons and munitions to Nigeria.

According to the statement released by DSCA, approval has been granted under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for the sale of 1,002 Mk-82 500 lb general-purpose bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 tail sections for the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb, 515 MXU-1006 tail sections for the GBU-58 Paveway II 250 lb bomb, 1,517 MAU-169 or MAU-209 guidance sections for GBU-12/GBU-58 kits, 1,002 FMU-152 fuzes, 5,000 rounds of 70mm APKWS II guided rockets, and other associated equipment. The request has been forwarded to the U.S. Congress for final approval, with the total estimated value of the sale reaching up to $346 million.

The sale is expected to enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to conduct high-precision airstrikes and provide more effective close air support for ongoing counter-insurgency (COIN) operations.

Nigeria Expands Its Precision Strikes Capabilities

In recent years, Nigeria has increasingly relied on precision-guided munitions in its operations against terrorist groups within the country and in combating illicit trade and smuggling activities in the Gulf of Guinea. The use of these weapons enables precision strikes on designated targets while minimizing the risk of civilian casualties.

The Nigerian Armed Forces employ modern reconnaissance and targeting systems to guide these munitions. Among the most notable platforms is the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle, developed by the Turkish defense company Baykar, which is actively used for both reconnaissance-surveillance missions and precision strike guidance. Additionally, ASELPOD targeting pods enhance precision strike capabilities through JF-17 fighter jets, thereby increasing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.

The Nigerian Air Force actively uses ASELPOD targeting pods, developed by ASELSAN, on the Pakistan-produced JF-17 Thunder fighter jets it has recently added to its inventory. Through these pods, the aircraft carry out target detection and identification in air operations while also gaining the capability to precisely designate targets for GBU-12 and GBU-58 laser-guided bombs. The high-resolution imaging and laser designation capabilities provided by ASELPOD enable Nigeria to conduct precision airstrikes against terrorist organizations with pinpoint accuracy, significantly increasing effectiveness in the field.

Another noteworthy element of the operations is the T129 ATAK attack helicopters developed by TUSAŞ in Türkiye. These platforms considerably strengthen the close air support capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force in both counterterrorism operations and the control of cross-border smuggling routes. The T-129 ATAK helicopters have become one of the most critical assets of the security forces, providing fire support especially in challenging terrain and intense combat environments.