Discussions thread.

US Drone Crashes in Niger
October 22, 2014 - Uncategorized - Tagged: Africa, Africa Defence, African Defense, African Military, mali, Niger, Nigeria
A US drone crash-landed at Niger’s main airport for unknown reasons on Monday [October 19], the US army said, forcing the closure of the runway for several hours.

The “hard landing” of the unarmed MQ-9 Reaper aircraft damaged the runway at Diori Hamani International airport in the Niger capital Niamey, but no injuries were reported, according to a statement from the US Air Forces in Europe and Africa public affairs directorate.

“The US government is working closely with the government of Niger to secure the scene and mitigate inconveniences caused by the incident,” the statement sent to AFP added.

“The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.”

The United States started drone surveillance flights out of Niger in early 2013 to support French forces fighting Islamist militants in northern Mali.

“The aircraft nosed down” around 03:40 am (0240 GMT), a Nigerien airport source told AFP, adding that the drone was originally thought to be French.

The airport stayed closed until 12:30 pm to repair the damage to the runway, the source said.

A plane carrying pilgrims on their way back from Mecca had to be diverted to Ouagadougou, airport authorities in Burkina Faso said.

Planes could be seen landing at Niamey airport again in the afternoon, a security source said.

Despite its porous borders, Niger is seen as haven of stability in the region, with neighbouring Mali, Libya and Nigeria all battling Islamist insurgents.

Last month, the US military announced it would shift its drone flights from Niamey to a base about 500 miles (800 kilometres) further north in Niger, allowing Washington to better track Islamist fighters in the region.

The northern location will give the unmanned, robotic aircraft easier access to a desert route linking southern Libya and northern Mali, which is used to move arms and Islamist fighters.

The French military also flies drones out of Niamey.

As reported by AFP in New Vision

Imagine if na ordinary Naija Amebo UAV crash...US for bin carry am for head like Gala
a Drone station in Niger they claim to fight terrorism but is that really their GOAL??

Henry120:
Discussions thread.

i am here and where i am there is always a generous display of intellectual competence. I am coming let me go and sought things out with my chief of staff.

neighy:
Imagine if na ordinary Naija Amebo UAV crash...US for bin carry am for head like Gala
a Drone station in Niger they claim to fight terrorism but is that really their GOAL??

when you cannot manage your issues for yourself another man will come and manage it for you. Just take a look at our subregion and shake your head cus i am doing the same thing. Our subregion is filled with nations in search of their identity. Niger is still wondering if it is supposed to be pro Arabian, pro maghrebian, or pro American, pro francophone or prowestafrican. We have Cameroon close to us, ready to grab at our throat at any given opportunity and then our beloved Ghana. We love her because she shared the same pains, struggles and victories that gave birth to most anglophone westafrican states. But she is not presently interested in any such emotional sentiments as she is burdened with her rising debt profile and fighting the urge to borrow more, because of this our beloved Ghana can no longer raise her voice in the committee of states. I am not going to waste your precious time to tell your about other smaller francophone post independent colonies.
Ok now let us ask ourselves what is the benefits and disadvantages of having weak neighbours?
1. If you are lucky to be a comparatively strong nation around weak nations like Nigeria you will have the monopoly of military and diplomatic influence.
2. You will also have to bear the burden of your weak neighbours. This could be in terms of security, finance, trade, economy and more recently healthcare provision.
3. No decision is made without your consent and approval.
4. You will continue to live a life of self delusion, pretending and accepting the fact that you re great not knowing that you are protected from the realities of the international system by your immediate neighbours.
5. When you are in trouble you will have to look for God for help( no wonder they say Nigeria is always asking for Gods intervention) when aids that are supposed to be shared secretly and diplomatically between neighbouring countries are not available you search elsewhere and that elsewhere may not want to give a closed door kind of help. They will allow their news media to have a field day with you( example " unprofessional and poorly equipped Nigeria military seek the help of the US army" you will agree with me that this wouldn't be the case if we where asking for support from our westafrican brothers. It may even be done secretly) just take for example when Nigeria was calling for foreign support in its fight against terrorism. Some foolish citizens of our neighbouring countries had the gut to call it a weak cry for help. Not knowing that they are the reason why we are calling for foreigners outside our subregion. If Ghana had the capacity to help why didn't she help, if Benin, Togo, Niger and Mali had the capacity to help then why didn't they help.
6. Foreigners will fund your poor weak neighbours to undermine you.
7. The drone base in Niger was paid heavily for under an agreement by the US army AFRICOM commander and the Nigerien government..
8. You will enjoy the attention of the media both foreign and local as you will be the only state in your subregion to be worth the media attention either propaganda or conspiracy theory everybody is talking about you.

overhypedsteve:
i am here and where i am there is always a generous display of intellectual competence. I am coming let me go and sought things out with my chief of staff.

Since the main thread is back, this place is pointless.

overhypedsteve:
when you cannot manage your issues for yourself another man will come and manage it for you. Just take a look at our subregion and shake your head cus i am doing the same thing. Our subregion is filled with nations in search of their identity. Niger is still wondering if it is supposed to be pro Arabian, pro maghrebian, or pro American, pro francophone or prowestafrican. We have Cameroon close to us, ready to grab at our throat at any given opportunity and then our beloved Ghana. We love her because she shared the same pains, struggles and victories that gave birth to most anglophone westafrican states. But she is not presently interested in any such emotional sentiments as she is burdened with her rising debt profile and fighting the urge to borrow more, because of this our beloved Ghana can no longer raise her voice in the committee of states. I am not going to waste your precious time to tell your about other smaller francophone post independent colonies.
Ok now let us ask ourselves what is the benefits and disadvantages of having weak neighbours?
1. If you are lucky to be a comparatively strong nation around weak nations like Nigeria you will have the monopoly of military and diplomatic influence.
2. You will also have to bear the burden of your weak neighbours. This could be in terms of security, finance, trade, economy and more recently healthcare provision.
3. No decision is made without your consent and approval.
4. You will continue to live a life of self delusion, pretending and accepting the fact that you re great not knowing that you are protected from the realities of the international system by your immediate neighbours.
5. When you are in trouble you will have to look for God for help( no wonder they say Nigeria is always asking for Gods intervention) when aids that are supposed to be shared secretly and diplomatically between neighbouring countries are not available you search elsewhere and that elsewhere may not want to give a closed door kind of help. They will allow their news media to have a field day with you( example " unprofessional and poorly equipped Nigeria military seek the help of the US army" you will agree with me that this wouldn't be the case if we where asking for support from our westafrican brothers. It may even be done secretly) just take for example when Nigeria was calling for foreign support in its fight against terrorism. Some foolish citizens of our neighbouring countries had the gut to call it a weak cry for help. Not knowing that they are the reason why we are calling for foreigners outside our subregion. If Ghana had the capacity to help why didn't she help, if Benin, Togo, Niger and Mali had the capacity to help then why didn't they help.
6. Foreigners will fund your poor weak neighbours to undermine you.
7. The drone base in Niger was paid heavily for under an agreement by the US army AFRICOM commander and the Nigerien government..
8. You will enjoy the attention of the media both foreign and local as you will be the only state in your subregion to be worth the media attention either propaganda or conspiracy theory everybody is talking about you.

datx wat i was saying in d oda Thread... It will do u no good if you are strong but have weak neigbhours... We'v been busy over the years Peace Keeping here and there we still have about 2battalions of soldiers in Liberia... Those we favoured are turning out to be ingrates look at Ghana trying to turn the Instability of Nigeria into an oppourtunity unluckily they ended up broke... ... ...
I'l look at it again and say some of this countries dont worth it...but we've got a more powerful force we've ghas Stand Against.... If some of this countries stil dosnt know who their real allies are OR if we dont have a UNIFIED AFRICA... THEN WE TALKING ABOUT GREAT DAMAGE HERE...

neighy:
datx wat i was saying in d oda Thread... It will do u no good if you are strong but have weak neigbhours... We'v been busy over the years Peace Keeping here and there we still have about 2battalions of soldgiers in Liberia... Those we favoured are turning out to be ingrates look at Ghana trying to turn the Instability of Nigeria into an oppourtunity unluckily they ended up broke... ... ...
I'l look at it again and say some of this countries dont worth it...but we've got a more powerful force we've ghas Stand Against.... If some of this countries stil dosnt know who their real allies are OR if we dont have a UNIFIED AFRICA... THEN WE TALKING ABOUT GREAT DAMAGE HERE...

it brings me joy to know that there is someone here that know and understands our predicament.

Henry120:


Since the main thread is back, this place is pointless.

I think this would be a good place for any kind of discussions, concerning Military matters then we won't have to derail your other Thread.

overhypedsteve:
it brings me joy to know that there is someone here that know and understands our predicament.

Same here jare boss

what is your take on the first indigenous Aircraft in Africa?

This babies can be used for surveillance and light patrols. and from the looks of things, it can be very cheap.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egtrWmKNWbw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0CYD53Qc7A

Missy89:
what is your take on the first indigenous Aircraft in Africa?

This babies can be used for surveillance and light patrols. and from the looks of things, it can be very cheap.

This is where you have been hiding, no?

Emotional Missy89.

shymexx:


This is where you have been hiding, no?

Emotional Missy89.

lol, Miss me?

told u i was in a competition. My team was knocked out on Thursday and i have been trying to recover. I wasn't prepared for it so i had a crash diet which is making my recovery slow. too much sleep!

What's good? and what makes my emotional?

Missy89:


lol, Miss me?

told u i was in a competition. My team was knocked out on Thursday and i have been trying to recover. I wasn't prepared for it so i had a crash diet which is making my recovery slow. too much sleep!

What's good? and what makes my emotional?

Lol, what do you expect Missy-miss?

Anyway, I'm good...and I saw the emotional side of you last week. I like when chics are like that.

BTW, I don't think you can classify an aircraft built and designed by white South Africans to be "African" tbh. I want to see black people build something.

Check out what I posted here: https://www.nairaland.com/1963685/spec-wife#27436827

Missy89:
what is your take on the first indigenous Aircraft in Africa?

This babies can be used for surveillance and light patrols. and from the looks of things, it can be very cheap.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egtrWmKNWbw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0CYD53Qc7A

I think its a great Aircraft and would be perfect for Surveillance, I just hope that our Government buys a couple of these for the S.A.A.F, because such projects cannot grow unless the local Government shows its support and invest in them, if we don't show any interest then the rest of the world will do the same, I just hope it doesn't turn out like to be like many other great South African projects that ended up being shelved because of the lack of interest from the government.

This aircraft has great potential

Henry120:
US Drone Crashes in Niger
October 22, 2014 - Uncategorized - Tagged: Africa, Africa Defence, African Defense, African Military, mali, Niger, Nigeria
A US drone crash-landed at Niger’s main airport for unknown reasons on Monday [October 19], the US army said, forcing the closure of the runway for several hours.

The “hard landing” of the unarmed MQ-9 Reaper aircraft damaged the runway at Diori Hamani International airport in the Niger capital Niamey, but no injuries were reported, according to a statement from the US Air Forces in Europe and Africa public affairs directorate.

“The US government is working closely with the government of Niger to secure the scene and mitigate inconveniences caused by the incident,” the statement sent to AFP added.

“The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.”

The United States started drone surveillance flights out of Niger in early 2013 to support French forces fighting Islamist militants in northern Mali.

“The aircraft nosed down” around 03:40 am (0240 GMT), a Nigerien airport source told AFP, adding that the drone was originally thought to be French.

The airport stayed closed until 12:30 pm to repair the damage to the runway, the source said.

A plane carrying pilgrims on their way back from Mecca had to be diverted to Ouagadougou, airport authorities in Burkina Faso said.

Planes could be seen landing at Niamey airport again in the afternoon, a security source said.

Despite its porous borders, Niger is seen as haven of stability in the region, with neighbouring Mali, Libya and Nigeria all battling Islamist insurgents.

Last month, the US military announced it would shift its drone flights from Niamey to a base about 500 miles (800 kilometres) further north in Niger, allowing Washington to better track Islamist fighters in the region.

The northern location will give the unmanned, robotic aircraft easier access to a desert route linking southern Libya and northern Mali, which is used to move arms and Islamist fighters.

The French military also flies drones out of Niamey.

As reported by AFP in New Vision

What exactly are the Americans doing in Nigeria because I don't really see the purpose of their Military personnel being there.

Centrifude:


What exactly are the Americans doing in Nigeria because I don't really see the purpose of their Military personnel being there.

do u mean the Drone Base?? The Base is located in NIGER not NIGERIA... Plus the American Military should be stoned to death and thrown into the Red Sea... They should be Escorted out of Africa BUT... The Whole Africa dosnt stand a chance Facing the US and its Guard dog(Israel)... SO LET THEM BE... For the Main Time thou

Centrifude:


What exactly are the Americans doing in Nigeria because I don't really see the purpose of their Military personnel being there.

Like neighy has stated, the base isn't in Nigeria, but in Niger. The Americans are a two faced, back-stabbing partner. They always have.

Henry120:


Like neighy has stated, the base isn't in Nigeria, but in Niger. The Americans are a two faced, back-stabbing partner. They always have.

Cmon they don't worth been called a Partner... They are sly... Americans are the Reason I Love Russia so Much... Naija should try her best to Strengthen her relationship with Russia and China...

Centrifude:


I think its a great Aircraft and would be perfect for Surveillance, I just hope that our Government buys a couple of these for the S.A.A.F, because such projects cannot grow unless the local Government shows its support and invest in them, if we don't show any interest then the rest of the world will do the same, I just hope it doesn't turn out like to be like many other great South African projects that ended up being shelved because of the lack of interest from the government.

This aircraft has great potential

But when are we going to develop a jet engine aircraft? are we that dumb?

neighy:
Cmon they don't worth been called a Partner... They are sly... Americans are the Reason I Love Russia so Much... Naija should try her best to Strengthen her relationship with Russia and China...

But what does Russia have to offer Nigeria? they are hardly getting by at the moment. a country like Nigeria should remain non aligned and work with everybody.

Missy89:


But what does Russia have to offer Nigeria? they are hardly getting by at the moment. a country like Nigeria should remain non aligned and work with everybody.

WORK WITH EVERYBODY exactly... We don't always have to keep relying on the U.S...
Wen you have 2 enemies/competitors as Ally... One would try to Overrun the other by producing/rendering better service than the other,.., their relationship is none of my concern but the result is what I need...
And What does russia have to Offer Nigeria?? They want their presence felt AND to make the Americans presence Wear Off... For starters they offered Weapon When the U.S banned us from Buying..The mistake some african countries are making is Solely relying on the U.S "I SO MUCH HATE THAT FACT"..
So Lyk Henry120 said, americans are 2Faced Back_Stabbing partner so wen they F.uc.k up We should have country like Russia for Back Up.....

Missy89:


But when are we going to develop a jet engine aircraft? are we that dumb?

One word "Funding"

Investing in home grown products seems to be a serious problem for the South African Government, we don't have a problem with ingenuity or rare skill sets, the only problem is funding, it takes too long for us to provide funding for home grown products, yet we invest Billions on foreign products, South Africa has the Experience and the Skills needed to produce modern Jet engines, we just don't want to explore such things, we'd rather waste money on overpriced western equipment.

Henry120:


Like neighy has stated, the base isn't in Nigeria, but in Niger. The Americans are a two faced, back-stabbing partner. They always have.

Nah I know that the Base is not in Nigeria, I was just wondering what the other U.S forces who were sent to Nigeria, to "help gather intelligence on Boko-Haram" are really doing there, because ever since I heard that they would going to Nigeria, I haven't seen or read a single story about them providing information or any kind of help to Nigeria.
From what I've seen so far, they seem to be making the situation much worse.

neighy:
Cmon they don't worth been called a Partner... They are sly... Americans are the Reason I Love Russia so Much... Naija should try her best to Strengthen her relationship with Russia and China...

They are our partners, an insincere, double-faced partner, yes, but still a partner. Our navy has gotten 5 Naval ships from them including, NNS thunder, NNS thunder II, NNS Ologbo et al.

All of them virtually for free, and in good working shape. We only had to pay 5million dollars in up-grades on those vessels.

The U.S, Chinese and Belarusians are very important partners for Nigeria.

neighy:
Cmon they don't worth been called a Partner... They are sly... Americans are the Reason I Love Russia so Much... Naija should try her best to Strengthen her relationship with Russia and China...

They gifted us 5 ships including NNS thunder, NNS thunder 2, we only had to pay 5 million USD on upgrades in each of those ships.

neighy:
do u mean the Drone Base?? The Base is located in NIGER not NIGERIA... Plus the American Military should be stoned to death and thrown into the Red Sea... They should be Escorted out of Africa BUT... The Whole Africa dosnt stand a chance Facing the US and its Guard dog(Israel)... SO LET THEM BE... For the Main Time thou

Americans are the scum of this earth, they claim that Nigeria is guilty of human rights violations, *whether its true or not* it still doesn't change the fact that they are also guilty of the same thing, they drop bombs on to of peoples homes just to kill one person, they used Chemical weapons and Fallujah, their soldiers sometimes kill civilians for fun, they fund terrorism... and maybe we should also start funding terrorists in Israel, china russia and europe.

Missy89:


But what does Russia have to offer Nigeria? they are hardly getting by at the moment. a country like Nigeria should remain non aligned and work with everybody.

Russia has everything to offer Nigeria, all our attack helicopters are from Russia, BVST of Belarus has an MI-35 maintenance facility in Nigeria for our MI-35. Virtually all of the 40 helicopter F.G has signed agreements to purchase are from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

We are and would remain a non-aligned nation, but with the american scuttled deal to purchase 20 Cobra AH-1W helicopters from Israel, we cannot depend on the west.

Russia has the world's 2nd largest defence industry, with the Indians, Chinese and Algerians their main importers. They are getting by very well in defence.

Centrifude:


Nah I know that the Base is not in Nigeria, I was just wondering what the other U.S forces who were sent to Nigeria, to "help gather intelligence on Boko-Haram" are really doing there, because ever since I heard that they would going to Nigeria, I haven't seen or read a single story about them providing information or any kind of help to Nigeria.
From what I've seen so far, they seem to be making the situation much worse.

They are probably only eating hamburgers in Abuja. After all the noise the Americans made on CNN and MSNBC, absolutely nothing to show for it as results. Nothing even minute.

I remember ammanpour talking all the shit, she had in her mouth.

Yes, they are making the situation worse

Henry240:


Russia has everything to offer Nigeria, all our attack helicopters are from Russia, BVST of Belarus has an MI-35 maintenance facility in Nigeria for our MI-35. Virtually all of the 40 helicopter F.G has signed agreements to purchase are from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

We are and would remain a non-aligned nation, but with the american scuttled deal to purchase 20 Cobra AH-1W helicopters from Israel, we cannot depend on the west.

Russia has the world's 2nd largest defence industry, with the Indians, Chinese and Algerians their main importers. They are getting by very well in defence.

Of course I know Nigeria always buy Russian made weapons. the question wasn't about arms. I was talking about Bilateral relations but i guess that is beyond the scope of this thread.

Missy89:


But when are we going to develop a jet engine aircraft? are we that dumb?

No, we are not dumb. That sort of investment requires a lot of capital, capital which at this moment we cannot afford. Even the Chinese import Jet engines from the russians.


There are no issues here.

Besides, building of frontline fighter jets aren't our defence priorities at the moment.

Missy89:


Of course I know Nigeria always buy Russian made weapons. the question wasn't about arms. I was talking about Bilateral relations but i guess that is beyond the scope of this thread.

No, it doesn't.

Bilaterally, there isn't a significant trade between we and the Russians. The only significant contract we have with the russians is the European gas, which the russians are also involved in. The contract is to build a gas pipeline from bonny -Algeria- down to europe.

Politically, like you mentioned, we are non-aligned.