The United States Government has given approval to an arms sale deal worth $346 million with Nigeria to enhance the country’s military capabilities in the current efforts of the Federal Government to combat anti-terrorism and illicit trafficking in the country.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a statement on Thursday indicated that the proposed sale would support US foreign policy goals and national security objectives by improving Nigeria’s security.
According to the agency, the package comprised “1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500-pound bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-12, and 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-58
It added that “Nigeria will receive 1,517 MAU-169 or MAU-209 computer control groups for Paveway II GBU-12/GBU-58, 1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II all-up-rounds.”
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The deal also features non-major defense equipment such as FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, and logistical support services.
The DSCA listed the principal contractors for the potential sale as RTX Missiles and Defense, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and BAE Systems, adding that the implementation of the proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Nigeria.
This is even as maintained that “there will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
Also, the DSCA stated that the deal would not alter the military balance in the region and that Nigeria will have no difficulty absorbing these munitions into its armed forces.
It further clarified: “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 stated that the actual USD value of the arms sale would be determined based on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreements, adding that the US Government is currently not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale, and any such agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
