WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (AGCNewsNet) – The United States has approved a $346 million arms package for Nigeria, comprising precision-guided aerial munitions, bombs, and related equipment to boost the Nigerian Air Force’s counterterrorism operations.

According to the US Department of Defense’s Office of Military Cooperation, the sale includes 1,002 Mk-82 bombs, detonators, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) guided missile kits, and associated support items. The munitions are expected to integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s current fleet.

Nigeria’s combat aviation currently operates 12 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, three JF-17 fighters, 11 F-7 fighters, and 12 Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet trainers repurposed for ground attack. The country has also ordered 24 M-346FA light jet combat aircraft from Italy’s Leonardo.

US officials said the deal is designed to enhance Nigeria’s operational effectiveness against armed groups by equipping it with modern precision strike capabilities.

The APKWS II system converts unguided Hydra 70 rockets into laser-guided weapons by adding a guidance module, enabling the interception of fast or maneuvering targets, including drones and loitering munitions. The system is in service with both air and ground forces, and has been used in various theatres, including Ukraine, where it was deployed to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles.

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