₦airaland Forum

Nigerdeltaboi:
the Yankees should try been drilled at Depot Zaria, their body go tell them

You bet but we won´t let them look into our closet.

lionel4power:
well Nigeria has been warned



.
Mr Covert1 and Supremecourt whats your take on this??
This silly North Koreans has dared us openly, do we show them the superiority of our weapons??

what do we use to counter them?

cc tdayof, nemesis4u, giles4

Don´t take the bait. It´s fake news. There is no military solution to North Korea short of outright destruction by US Navy nuclear submarines and or strategic bombers. North Korea is America´s geo-political problem to solve not Nigeria´s.

Henry240:
Let's agree to disagree on this issue.

I concur.

Nok234:
Be very careful while talking about France, has you mentioned right now the situation is Political rivalry im ok BUT never thing that if Nigeria push harder on something where France has some interest nothing will happen... Those guys are not Choirboys, they have treaten Nigeria in the past in the 60s then with the Bakassi issue ... If Nigeria has a problem with a Francophone country thats means we have a problem with France it self they have sign a treaty (they are not that free Politicaly).. The french forces in Africa are maybe of small number but they are the best that country can offer La Legion Etrangere; Nigeria's goal in Africa is clear with the intervention in Gambia and if you watch the news the Navy is clear we want to be the dominant power in the region. Therefor is clear that the Nigerian interest & France interest are not complementary.
Here is small documentary on the page of France Army https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=5LEL3vna28U , it is clear they are not going no where even if African countries want them out ... The situation is clear if Nigeria want to dominate in Africa she needs to do new girl friends, but those girls has already a boy friend lool something like that. Do you really thing that Bakassi will be lost if there were no pressure at first the Nigerian military was more than ready but when France come in if we like or not France will have kick our ass and then create they f... biafra that they love more than Nonesence Kanu.
Thats why Im glade that we have at least restored some sort of friendship with the US & and we are very close to China. For me we must look a little bit in Germany, Russia, Japan & South Korea. But if you want to depend on someone who every sigle year criticise you because you have protected your country, and is rivale in the region this is not a good idea... Economic ties are good to create friendship Im ok but dont think thise will prevent them from taking any action money is something power is better..

Interesting read. However Nigeria doesn´t depend on France. It is mutual co-operation. By the way we have defence and economic agreements with France. Yes, France has treaties with it´s neighbors like Cameroun but even there in the Bakassi Peninsula it was present not with direct military engagement but with French military advisers still we invaded and occupied the peninsula successfully. They used the option available to them the world court. President Obasanjo considered that the loss of Bakassi didn´t affect Nigeria´s strategic oil reserves and accepted the ICJ ruling which many believe was politicised. Thats the farthest they came. Cameroun in Paul Biya is the foremost problem of Nigeria in francophone Africa and we´ve had worse before in Felix Houphouet-Boigny still it was by proxy means the French meddled by arming and training Biafrans.

Today aside Cameroun we generally enjoy good relations with francophone countries where our interests align with the french. With Cameroun It has been better under President Buhari but will be much better with Biya´s exit.

Regional domination is Nigeria´s natural rights and the Nigerians leave no one in doubt about that including the french. The french and Nigeria will not fight a war. Our interests on foreign intervention have mostly aligned. No one is ruling out miscalculation as there is no permanent friend or enemy. When Abraham Lincoln was asked during the American civil what America´s response should be to domineering European powers, he said they should be allowed to flex their muscles while America should focus on its domestic challenges to grow and that inevitably they would become more powerful than Britain and France. His prediction came true. This Nigeria should do. The European powers like France are in decline. Countries with demographics like Nigeria are on the rise and will dwarf France in 25 odd years.

The goal should be maintain commensurate military strength to deter aggressors real and imagined and power projection capabilities for regional security and push to attain the status of a meduim power in the short term. We are already among the 20 largest economies in the world. Why look for trouble.

Henry240:
The fact the French already have 4,000 troops in Africa is a threat to Nigeria or any other regional power. It means the French can easily reinforce thier positions more rapidly in the event of a confrontation.

France is a dominant military figure in Africa. This has always been true, it is still true. The French are well entrenched in Mali, Chad, Ivory Coast CAR, Djibouti, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Niger and Gabon. Let us use out tongues to count our teeth.

The French are a significant power in Africa.

Anybody can talk about the merits of another, that's also not the issue here. The fact is the French have the capacity and infrastructure to support a large military build-up which is a significant military threat to Nigeria.

We are getting the capabilities of the F-16 in the JF-17, however the JF-17 is not an American fighter. Not something the US can control.

You might want to write a new thesis on regional power balance. First, regional powers are states within a given region of the world whose size, political, economic and military strengths greatly outweigh, influence and dominate it's neigbours which enables it to determine the course of events in it's sphere of influence to its advantage almost unchallenged.

The current French deployment is insignificant in the balance of power among the three regional heavyweights. When you talk of reinforce their positions rapidly in a hypothetical war that would be subject to the forces of disruption to their lines of re-supply. You make it sound simplistic. War is not a picnic. What are the Generals learning in the classroom. The French military may have capacity doesn't mean it can win a war here. In fact the Europeans have bloodied their hands in Africa so much they consider it a nightmare to invade. We know the history.

France is a powerful country but even in Europe it is not the dominant power. The French may be present in west and central Africa but it is not a dominant or significant military in the region. Economically it is significant but not dominant either.

Nigeria is France' largest trading partner in Africa. The French may be a geo-political competitor but not at least presently a direct military threat neither was it before. It has more investments in Nigeria than all francophone African countries combined. The French have told Nigeria directly it is willing to sell it military arms without reservations and they do. We have bought in the past from them lethal equipment and we are still buying from them.

Both countries have more to gain working together. The other option is bad news.

The JF-17s are great assets. No doubt.

Henry240:
I'm happing on transfer and EDA as it is the best we can do at this time as we already have new attack helicopters, fighter planes and fighter jets on order. I simply don't see how we plan to fund an additional purchase of new attack helicopters from the UK.

I insist it is not in the realm of possibilities. The UK doesn't have the authority to export US equipment. Congress will not approve a purchase of the AH-64 to Nigeria as the politics of interest can and has been served with the sale of the Tucano.

The British do not have any AH of thier own.

Without the US Congress approving a sale, no country gets that equipment. Trump doesn't have the sole authority to approve any sale of defence equipment.

With each visit of a "foreign" high ranking political office holder, we ask for a sale or transfer of military equipment to deal with our insurgency. I don't know why this is even news.

We did same with Germany, France, China and very recently Russia. No biggie.

President Buhari has approached the US, and the US has approved a sale that is inline with the overall US interest, with consideration of US allies in the region. Hence the approval of the Tucano sale.

Gentleman, you sound like the numero uno at DHQ Abuja. I might just let this pass but we would be letting on narratives of ambiguous certainty. To be certain, first, everything and almost everyone can be bought in this life; you just name the price. I think it's the prerogative of the military asking for it to lobby for it's funding as they do for all other budgetary allocation for their needs which would indicate they have plan for any such purchase. Yes we are buying fighter jets and helicopters but many yawning gaps still exist. No military is satisfied with what it has.

In the realm of possibilities anything is possible. We don't even know what's on the table. What we know is something is on the table. The British would not be asked for something they can't provide.

Politics of interest? Well the Tucano meets COIN needs but it is not a AH-64 attack helicopter, they have different roles. Trump is the chief executive of the US government and enjoys the privilege of initiative albeit with congressional approval.

Except for Russia and China that gives us lethal aid, requests made with every high-level visit have yielded results even if non-lethal as most were made under the Obama presidency whose policy of military support to Nigeria was non-lethal aid even while Bokos were killing Nigerians. My essay points out that the trend goes where Washington goes. The sale of lethal Tucanos to Nigeria makes partners like the UK comfortable with such deals. Brexit makes it exigent though I'm highly skeptical of the British. By the way France has always proved independent of the US in foreign policy approach and deal making.

One point of my essay is now confirmed again in less than 24hrs. President Buhari will be in Washington. I think we will hear good news. The Tucano sale serves our common interest with the US and France is not in the equation in the balance of power metrics in the region.

LTGEN:
Nigeria has in the past purchased the Naval Version of the Lynx.
IMHO.The Nigerians are asking for the Army's version of the Lynx to serve as an attack Helicopter.
France has a over a $1B of investments in Nigeria , the Oil Find by Total in the 2000s was one of the largest in the World.
France's investments in Nigeria dwarf those of it's former colonies.
France this year has pledged another $1B as in direct FDI to Nigeria.
France is currently building 3 x Naval Warships
and 3 Naval Helicopters for Nigeria.
Enough said.

God Bless You LTGEN.

Enough Said.

lionel4power:
off topic

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French Navy Aircraft Carrier

I remember what a Chinese General told the Americans before they developed Aircraft Carrier Killers. I think the French took note.

lionel4power:
here we go again




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France will be looking at this guy like;

Actually laughing at u. The French that could not keep the peace in Central African Republic. Did they tell you their soldiers were raping kids there. C'mon change your mindset and learn what you don't know.

Henry240:
Unfortunately i don't agree with this. In Africa, we have the regional powers and we also have France. France has militarily intervened in Africa more than 25 times since 1962. The country currently has 4,000 troops stationed in Africa with permanent bases in at least 5 African countries.

I have not seen an AH-64 exported by the UK government. It is not transferable, only Boeing has the right to sell the AH-64. The US government will reject any move to transfer excess Apaches to Nigeria. Sorry, these sorts of deals don't happen all the time.

Nigeria is asking for, it doesn't mean we are going to get them.

The Tucanos are sophisticated with an impressive plethora of munitions however they are quite limited in thier scope of use. None of the scenarios they are going to be employed in is a direct threat to France or French interests. This is why the US government will never sell the F-16, even the most basic model to Nigeria.

And exactly so that Nigeria is asking for it doesn't mean we are going to get them. But it's in the realm of possibility. You seem to harp on transfer and EDA which I don't envisage is the case here. No one knows exactly what's in the offing but clearly it's concrete the Nigerians made the request for attack helicopters from the British. It is the British and possibly the people asking them for it know who what kind of arrangement they have with the original manufacturer and how that can be sorted out. Having said that it is the US president that is the chief weapons salesman of the world with the approval of congress and if president Trump sees any win-win for the US you might just consider it a done deal with support from Congress. Still President Buhari has the option of approaching the US directly for sale of such capabilities.

Who is attacking who's interest in Africa? France against Nigeria in direct war is silly to contemplate. Which modern state fight such wars. States adopt contingency doctrines for:

1. Winnable Wars vis-a-vis the belligerent state in question.
2. Wars of Attrition of indefinite span to weaken, demoralize and ultimately force the more powerful or near equal belligerent adversary to withdraw and negotiate terms of peace.

Neither countries have the capacity for the first outcome save for a nuclear weapon and neither can afford the latter. A conflict is out of the question but economic co-operation for prosperity. The only other option is:

3. Proxy Wars to overtime wear out an enemy state and keep it in perpetual weakness.

Do you seriously think France with 4,000 troops and 5 bases in the region is a directed as a military threat to Nigeria? I think the French are better than that. The route open to the French is destabilizing antics and the last time we had such overt actions we trounced them. In fact Nigeria has trounced France every time it chose not to subtly show it's hand like the nuclear test in our backyard. There better means of retaliation against France and there's no military option. Right now except for the unknown fingers in boko haram the political and military balance is in Nigeria's Favour with the French as partners.

No gainsaying the Tucano is a dream to have with it's configurations but it in it self alone is limited in speed and range for strategic conventional effect. There are three regional powers in Africa: 1. Nigeria 2. South Africa 3. Egypt. Of the three Nigeria is the dominant power with the largest population by far, the largest economy by far and political heavyweight. The French deployment of 4,000 troops does not alter that balance of power. And if u insist I'll find vid of a French president talking about the merits of the Nigerian military and post it here. The 1st mechanized division Kaduna alone which is Nigeria's foremost fighting unit and never used in the Boko insurgency which experts questioned is larger than the entire French deployment in Africa.

If the US government will not sell us F-16s we can get that capability elsewhere and they know it. Already diplomats in Washington as we speak question the wisdom in continuing to deny Nigeria sale of certain capabilities with the purchase of the JF-17 thunders etc.

Henry240:
You cannot sell what you don't own. Transferring British army Apaches to Nigeria is already Dead on Arrival. It will never happen.

He's a politician making a political comment. The caveat in the deal to sell us the Tucanos is very clear. They are not intended to alter the balance of power in the region. A direct assurance to France from the US government.

Any proper offensive equipment can only be gotten from Russia or China.

I beg to disagree. It is not dead on arrival. The original manufacturer can sell via a production partner. All Britain needs to do is put in a request to the US to sell to a third party and if that client meets the conditions of the manufacturer it's a done deal. This kinds of deals happen all the time.

The only political comment is in the latter part of his statement else is a direct statement of intent from the Nigerians.

The balance of power in the region has nothing to do with France. No expert counts France as a regional power in Africa. Tucanos with all it's sophisticated gear are not in class with Rafales. If it's about France and balance of power they'd be selling us F-35s and making that statement.

Fav Pics of The War: Thanks to the UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson who just put it in the public domain that currently some 28,000 Nigerian troops are deployed in the north-east for combat operations. That's huge. Still the Nigerian Army maintains credible divisional size combat formations for it's contingency defence plans across Nigeria and is also deployed in multiple countries overseas.

Henry240:
Do they mean utility helicopters, because i don't remember Britain building any Attack Helicopters apart from the AH-64 which is licence built.

Attack helicopters Henry. He said it himself. And if it is well we know it's the AH-64 they build under license which will require green light from the Americans; a plausible possibility under Trump, reason for my essay. The Nigerians who asked Britain for it are not stupid as u know. Of course the JP guy can't think that far.

His body language tells you the impression the Nigerians created on him is need for more offensive capabilities. And of course he'd act the typical politician in his comments and by which I think he means addressing the long term development and economic challenges of the north-east. There is no political solution to Boko Haram.

iblawi:
I saw the news yesterday but no much details apart from attack helicopters and counter-IED provision.

Yes not much details yet but after he returns to London and tables the proposal we should be hearing something in a few weeks. What's clear is it is a concrete request from the Nigerians which includes attack helicopters.

FLASH: The UK Foreign Secretary has just confirmed that Nigeria has put in a request for Arms Purchase with Britain and they are seriously considering them including Attack Helicopters.

The advent of the Trump administration has seen a dramatic shift in policy towards Nigeria. The Brits and indeed the west go where the Americans go. Trump of course is a businessman who wants to sell to responsible partners and create jobs back home and boost the US economy to his goal of 4% growth.

Strong elements in the Republican administration it appears is picking on Nigeria over Egypt. Hence the reassurances over the first sale ever of advanced high-tech weaponry to sub-Saharan Africa. This might be clearer going forward. Already the Americans a fortnight ago rescinded the decision to give over 200 million dollar financial aid to Egypt citing human rights abuses an euphemism always used previously against Nigeria to deny it access to Western weapons systems. This is a reverse case scenario.

Patriots we might just begin to dare to dream. The illness then of the President it appears delayed until now movement on the A-29 deal which has now hit full gear upon return of the president to Abuja. The president is expected to meet with president Trump this September whose country acknowledges Nigeria as Africa's most important country and centre of power in the region and shares core common values. The Americans see Nigeria which is Africa's largest democracy and biggest economy as a bulwark against boko haram terrorists and ISIS terrorism in the sub-region and beyond, foremost partner for regional security and stability, efforts against piracy and criminality in the Gulf of Guinea and global strategic partner on international issues. It appears if we are willing to show the money, President Trump will be willing to show his hands. The president might just take a wish list on his voyage from Abuja to Washington. Hope the Generals are listening and in tune. This is an opportunity to exploit under the current friendly administration of President Donald John Trump.

Watch out for new deals in the offing in western capitals for the sale of advanced lethal weaponry and support systems to Nigeria.

Covert.

In this live fire demonstration of one of the world´s most modern frigates we see validation of my points that the 76mm Guns are the primary weapons of a Warship. Along with the 35mm CIWS, heavy artillery guns are very effective for self-defence against incoming projectiles or aircraft. Multiple times we see in this vid incoming threats of missiles neutralised by the meduim range guns. In fact the experienced captain said with emphasis when the 76mm gun broke down and I quote "I have my missiles...but I need the meduim range gun". For those who think submarines are invincible, well again I´ve been validated - when the captain went blind all he did was to drop a torpedo in the water and the sub was scared away (who wants to die lol). Did I say they are threats but still prey to surface ships. An Admiral told you he can project powers, he sure knows what he´s talking about. Again, NNS Centenary and Unity can project measurable force and defend itself effectively.
[url]
Mighty Ships : HDMS Peter Willemoes



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbQlsOhAPnQ[/url]

lionel4power:
covert1 am still waiting

No wahala. Just u might wait for me to have time for lengthy discourse. Shouldn´t have been necessary but i already know its hard for some to decipher points raised. By now u should know i chose my words carefully. I never said Covertte but NNS Unity And Centenary vis-avis a Frigate. I stand by that. Its a fact. Without missiles weapons packages those warships still can conduct anti-air, ASW and anti-surface warfare effectively. They are currently among the most modern warships in this region, i´ve checked my facts again. Its sensors and radar guidance systems are top-notch. The Admirals who tout it know more than any of you disputing my postulations. Count my words carefully before you respond. Cos of time i´ll put up a vid so you analyse its competence short of missile systems.

MiddleDimension:
is he agagust?

He's back but...

He'd be thrilled watching this

I'm quite surprised no one knows but I just think Henry and tydayof knows the difference. Administer I might add. Iblawi too. SupremeCourt of course. These guys are smart. I'd think u too perhaps.

Whoever solves my riddle may tell.

TrueHeart365:
First of all, you need to drop this spy nonsense. No one's buying it.

Who said I was a spy?

Guys pls calm down. I dropped a bomb I see! However I'll not just dismiss the concerns of the guys here. It's fair from them to want to know. For time factor as an agent of the king I'll give this first and we might try understand when possible. I'm impressed with the civility thus far. Would help us more. todayof though has given some insights but I'll explain some of my comments.

1. First "modern and highly sophisticated" doesn't mean more powerful. Still operations from the NNS Unity and Centenary are highly digitized and automated making for ease of naval operations from captain to naval rating. It has a stealth advantage.

2. I'll try find vid of a Danish warship shooting down incoming projectile with it's 76mm gun as proof that these guns are highly versatile. Infact that Danish ship used no missiles in it's simulations.

3. Our stealth OPVs can defend itself. I'll post proof. I write in hurry being about the kings business. Gotta go I'll see u guys.

4. And mostly importantly guys pls try to understand military science. In a war forces are integrated for maximum effect. No one arm of the military goes to war alone. See the North-East Nigeria for reference.

5. No one is invading anyone.

Covert.

giles14:
project power with 76mm naval gun armed OPVs .

you are dream even Cameroon's navy has enough anti ship missile to take down all our naval boats.

so ur power projection begins from calabar and ends in Gambia.

no oil refiller ,sub, even armed corvettes even light frigate.

please go back to bed

Clap, clap, clap for Admiral giles 14 Here we go again déjà vu. They come to nairaland and reel off weapons yet the countries they mention have never been able to stop a Nigerian offensive whether directly or by proxy. Where were the Cameroonian's during the invasion of the Bakassi peninsular.

You obviously know more than the Admiral in the vid. That Admiral must be so stupid not to know the threat equilibrium in his neighborhood and yet make that statement with certainty.

I'll not join issues but just look at what you typed acting admiral in your bedroom. Thanks but no thanks I enjoy my sleep.

You see that little girl wearing that sub. Lt. rank in charge of electronic and computer engineering can neutralize an incoming anti-ship missile via counter-measures. That's one option among many like CIWS suite carried on ships for self defence.

About the 76mm gun you ridicule even heavy frigates still employ guns in that category as their primary weapon. Those guns are radar guided to accurately hit their targets including incoming projectiles. Stop belittling them like others here.

Stealth OPVs are great assets at sea. Their radar cross section is highly reduced at sea making them hard to detect for annihilation. Nigeria's NNS Unity and Centenary may not be frigates but they are more modern and highly sophisticated than most frigates (I didn't say all) that currently exist in Africa today. Nigeria has missile coverttes and modern fast attack crafts among many detection capabilities to seize the initiative. You go to war with appropriate assets for the threat you face. In the Gulf of Guinea Nigeria still holds the advantage by far in the Naval balance of power.

Sizzorkay:

..............................................

A Must Watch:
This Should Change Perceptions. Proud of our beautiful daughters or for some sisters Trained, Highly Skilled, Very professional.
Nigerian Rear Admiral: The Nigerian Navy Is Ready To Project Power Not Just Within The West Coast of Africa But Beyond The West Coast of Africa. Winning Wars Is Not About Shiny Toys. The Nigerian Navy Ain´t Going Away. We Are Here To Stay.
[url]Nigerian Navy Fleet Evaluation



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2REU4GNhqKg[/url]

Air Power Projection: A Nigerian Air Force Fighter Jet Simulate Low Combat Manoeuvres Over The Gambia In Victory And Welcome of President Adama Barrow To Banjul As The New Head of State After The Deposing of Yahyah Jammeh In A ECOWAS Military Intervention. NAF Fighter Pilots In Highly Skillful AIR RECCE Arrive Overhead (43:05 - 47:25) The Exact Time President Barrow Stepped Off The Plane Onto The Tarmac. The Senegalese Army Commander Is Awed Standing Next To The Smiling Nigerian Air Force Commander. The Gambians Were Just Over Awed!
[url]
PRESIDENT BARROW'S ARRIVAL (PART 1)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnUveIHPPEM?t=47m53s
[/url]

Diplomacy & Power Projection:
Emotional Departure of NNS Thunder From Sydney, Australia.

[url]
Nigerian Navy S Thunder leaving Sydney 2013 Oct


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU5jlUKrvEs[/url]

The UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson
on Nigeria's position in Africa:

Region: Africa
Country: Nigeria
Country Status: Powerhouse of Africa
Economic Status: Africa's Biggest Economy

Pic: UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson With A Nigerian Navy Admiral And A Royal Navy Liason Officer On A Visit To The Nigerian Navy Joint Maritime Sea Training Centre (JMSTC), Lagos.

It's not yet 24hrs. Another Validation.

Soon The JF-17 will be appearing to complement the A-29. There's more good news this calendar year and the next across the armed services. Guess some of us will be muttering the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy even in our sleep some in happiness and others in pain. But no apologies. What's not in doubt in these climes is "when what needs to be done to be done it will be done by the Armed Forces of Nigeria".

SupremeCourt:
Chief, sharing the link does not mean you understand all in the link. I googled almost everything google-able in that link that I dont know just to update myself. Now I know a lot about that list. The fake story of "Tucano is not a game changer for Nigeria to alter balance of power in the region" is a big lie by Trump to favour Nigeria. Pick those weapons one by one, google them, and google who has them in Africa, and you will understand why this NAF Super Tucano deal was blocked in 2014.

This is hell on wings, NAF is king;


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD2nP7cSfok

Kudos! You understand. We just patiently help them see the light.

In the intelligence business we call that phrase "euphemism" to create reassurances. The US of course are masters in Black arts intelligence. I'm giving out too much already.

I'm appalled at the low level of intelligent discourse on nairaland. Sets me thinking.

jakeporeshenko:
First of all read his reply.
he was referring to all of Africa, second by balance of power he means in the air (like total dominance over the skies). look man lets try to keep this thread factual because its more fun that way, lets not stop give backing to and individual who all of a sudden wants to invade the whole North Africa because of a super Tuccano deal.

this one has passed love of country and patriotism, after all i'm the one who shared the link.

Jake I'm not warmongering. Words matter which is why I chose them carefully to defend them. Their is no emotion here. The balance of power has changed with the total sum of advanced being purchased by Nigeria. It doesn't mean we have acquired capacity and capability to give a knock out punch to Egypt which would be an exaggeration but fact is we are in contention in hitherto denied battle space. Do u understand now? That's the change in balance of power. I may have to start speaking plainly for comprehension.