2 weeks ago
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The Nigerian Air Force has awarded a contract worth $21m to the Bulgarian arms broker, Kalandor, for the supply of rockets.
The contract, which is expected to last 14 months, includes the delivery of 5,000 70mm rockets and 50 CIRIT laser-guided rockets.
A report by Africa Intelligence, obtained by our correspondent on Monday, stated that Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule awarded the contract to Kalandor.
The report also noted that the Bulgarian arms broker would facilitate the delivery of 200,000 rounds of 20mm x 102 calibre ammunition for the Nigerian Air Force.
It partly read, “Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, has thrown himself wholeheartedly into improving his force’s offensive capabilities.
“In addition to making the acquisition of 24 Leonardo M-346 light
combat aircraft a top priority, he is also working hard to arm the NAF’s newly acquired T-129 attack helicopters.
“Turkish Aerospace Industries has delivered four of the six that were ordered. A few weeks ago, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule assigned the armament contract to Bulgarian arms broker Kalandor.
“The 14-month contract is worth $21m and covers the supply of 5,000 70mm rockets and 50 CIRIT laser-guided rockets. Turkish firm MKE may deliver the first batch of rockets and the second will be manufactured by missile expert Roketsan, also Turkish. “Additionally, Kalandor will broker the delivery of ammunition:
200,000 20mm x 102 calibre.”
The report stated that Kalandor had already supplied the Nigerian Army with light weapons, adding that it was presently trying to create ties with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
The PUNCH reports that the Air Force has been investing massively in platforms to enhance its combat capabilities.
The Chief of Air Staff, in June, disclosed that it would acquire 50 new aircraft to strengthen its fight against armed gangs and terrorists.
In October, the service finalised talks with Messrs Leonardo S.P.A. for the acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the two already procured by the NAF.
