₦airaland Forum

What has happened to the 2 ships under construction in Turkey??
nns Aradu re- fit nko?
Something is wrong bro...

Place where i did my youth service in 2003.
Driving my Mercedes 190 freely throughout Bauchi. From itas gadau to shira , Azare, Tafawa balewa ,Alkaleri ,etc
Free, easy movement even at night.
Loved serving in Bauchi.

It's possible for a machine to become obsolete. It is difficult to drive a 1910 Benz in 2025. Most of the spare parts will no longer be produced, even the expertise for this production becomes redundant.
The electronics systems required for safe travel is also more complex than the initial electronics of 100 years ago.

If it is no longer being produced by kawasaki with airbus license, who will train the nigerian technicians on repairs and Grade A or C PDM?

For troop transport for QRF, safety is important. If one chopper goes down, that is 20 dead soldiers.
There is no short cut to safety. The other day wrong dose probufol was given to a child in hospital for MRI scan and the child died. A suture forceps was left in a pxts abdomen and the pxt died. There are strict safety guidelines that should have prevented some of these things, but Nigeria and our "anyhowness" will be the deaths of us.
Now we want to replicate this with a tandem rotor "chinook" which is twice as complex as single rotor.
Ok oooo!!!!
#############

Airbus confirms deal with Ghana for 4 defence and transport helicopters
Advertisement
Airbus confirms deal with Ghana for 4 defence and transport helicopters


H175M Helicopter
Ghana’s Ministry of Defence signs a major deal with Airbus Helicopters for four aircraft, including H175M, ACH175 and ACH160 models, to boost security, emergency response and transport operations across the country.
Advertisement
Airbus Helicopters has secured a significant defence and aviation contract in Ghana following an agreement with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of four helicopters, marking the company’s formal return to the country after several years.

Under the deal announced on Wednesday, 15 January 2026, Ghana will acquire two H175M helicopters, alongside one ACH175 and one ACH160. The aircraft are expected to strengthen the country’s air capabilities across defence, security and civilian transport operations.

According to Airbus Helicopters, the two H175M helicopters will be deployed as multi-mission platforms to support a range of critical operations, including troop and personnel transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief. The remaining two aircraft, the ACH175 and ACH160, will be operated primarily for transport purposes.

Commenting on the agreement, Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters, described the contract as a strategic milestone for both parties.

“The commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and partnership,” he said. “We are particularly excited that the H175M will be operated in Ghana, demonstrating the aircraft's versatility across defence and security missions. This key deal also makes Ghana a leading customer in West Africa for our premium corporate helicopters, the ACH160 and ACH175.”

The H175 helicopter, which has been in service since 2014, belongs to the super-medium class and is designed to balance long-range capability with strong payload performance. Airbus says the aircraft offers smooth flight characteristics, making it suitable for a wide spectrum of missions, including disaster response, public services, offshore and onshore operations, as well as military and business aviation roles.
The ACH160, meanwhile, represents Airbus’ latest advancement in helicopter technology. It is described as the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world, incorporating 68 patented Airbus innovations. The aircraft also offers enhanced passenger comfort, providing 20% more cabin space per passenger compared to earlier generation medium twin helicopters, as well as significantly larger windows that create the brightest cabin in its class.

The acquisition is expected to enhance Ghana’s operational readiness in emergency response and security while also positioning the country as a key Airbus customer in the West Africa.

15 years of counterinsurgency and absolutely NO LESSONS LEARNT.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE NIGERIAN ARMY??

Playing around as special forces while boko haram has attacked and collapsed another army base in Banki.

Go and collect your soldiers who ran away to cameroon.

Bandits in Katsina wearing full battle gear are negotiating with governors while your army films the process.

Nigeria is a Joke.

Lol.
Playing around as special forces while boko haram has attacked and collapsed another army base in Banki.

Go and collect your soldiers who ran away to cameroon.

Bandits in Katsina wearing full battle gear are negotiating with governors while your army films the process.

Nigeria is a Joke.

You can clearly see the Turkish flag on the weapons.
They were definitely not manufactured in Nigeria.
Possibly assembled, yes.
Assembly and manufacturing can NEVER mean the same thing unless to APC ronù bigotted LIARS.
NA THEIR WORK.
SAME THING WITH YOUR PRESIDENT.

Reflect7:
Only in NIGERIA is a distinction made between Manufacturing and ''Assembly''.

In the REAL WORLD outside Nigeria, if you ask somebody, ''Was this thing manufactured or was it assembled?", they'll call you crazy....

Because there is ZERO DIFFERENCE between manufacturing a thing, and assembling it.

They mean the EXACT SAME THING.

In the US, car manufacturing plants are known as ''Car Assembly Plants''.

Why? Because there is NO DIFFERENCE between manufacturing and assembly.

So quit demeaning yourselves.

It's a distinction you created out of low self esteem.

If this guy knows how many exams I failed in medical school before I graduated as a doctor.

I assume those containers are for drone pilots

I assume officers generally receive side arms like glocks etc on commission or near a combat zone??
Is there any rule that prevents officers from wearing these sidearms ?

bidexiii:
[/b]CAS APPLAUDS JOINT EFFORT AS NAF’S 8-MONTH OFFENSIVE DEALS CRUSHING BLOW TO TERRORISTS IN BORNO STATE[b]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a decisive blow to terrorist elements in the North-East, killing at least 592 fighters and destroying 372 enemy assets in eight months, already surpassing the operational tempo of the entire previous year. Disclosing the figures during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, on 12 August 2025 in Maiduguri, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, credited the success to an upgraded fleet and enhanced precision night-strike capabilities. He noted that 798 combat sorties, totaling over 1,500 flight hours under Operation Hadin Kai, had significantly crippled terrorist mobility and logistics, eliminating 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs deep in hostile areas.

From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF aircraft have conducted coordinated day-and-night operations in challenging terrain, [/b]enabled by A-29 Super Tucanos, Mi-171 helicopters, and advanced ISR platforms for continuous target tracking. The CAS announced that the imminent deployment of a new Mi-35 gunship would further strengthen close-air support for ground troops[b]. Governor Zulum commended the NAF for its vital role in degrading terrorist capabilities and safeguarding communities, acknowledging that its efforts had saved lives and facilitated the rebuilding of towns across the state.

Air Marshal Abubakar also praised the Governor for the State’s “Borno Model”, a blend of community-driven, non-kinetic engagement with decisive military action, describing it as a winning formula in counter-insurgency efforts. He reaffirmed that the NAF’s mission goes beyond neutralising threats to also protecting civilians and restoring public trust. The CAS also inspected facilities at the Maiduguri NAF Base, interacted with personnel, and received operational briefings, underscoring the Air Force’s continued commitment to leveraging air power, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the lives of its citizens.

#NAFInAction #AirPower #CounterInsurgency #OperationHadinKai #BornoModel #NationalSecurity #ProtectingNigeria #WinningThePeace #DefendingTheNation #OneNAFOneMission

Interesting package.

Despite recurrent U S betrayals, they keep buying from Trump to butter him up.

Otherwise surely, multiple other countries especially Turkey should be able to pick up this contract.

bidexiii:
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $346 million arms sale to Nigeria, pending Congressional approval. This deal aims to enhance Nigeria’s military capabilities in combating terrorism and illicit trafficking, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea..

The Key Details of the Arms Package
The proposed sale includes:

1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500 lb bombs

1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-12 bombs

515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-58 bombs

1,517 computer control groups for Paveway II bombs

1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes

5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II all-up rounds

Non-major defense equipment such as bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration support, test equipment, and logistics services.

Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and BAE Systems are identified as contractors for the sale.

[/b]Strategic Context[b]

This arms sale is part of the U.S. government's broader strategy to bolster the security of key partners in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Pentagon asserts that the sale will not adversely impact U.S. defense readiness. Nigeria has previously purchased military equipment from the U.S., including a $997 million weapons deal in 2022.

The approval follows a period of heightened attacks by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement. The U.S. State Department has determined that the sale will advance its foreign policy and national security goals by enhancing the security of a strategic partner in Africa.

[/b]Congressional Review[b]

Congress has been notified of the proposed sale and has 30 days to review and potentially object. If no objections are raised, the sale will proceed. This process is standard for Foreign Military Sales.

This development underscores the ongoing U.S. commitment to supporting Nigeria in its efforts to combat terrorism and enhance regional stability.

U S approves $350million arms sales to Nigeria 🇳🇬

US Government approves,$350million arms sakes to Nigeria 🇳🇬

When I talk now, winch people go call me IPOB.
See how they have kept quiet on your radical observation.
Issorite...one day e go be metal day....
Meanwhile the U S trained 64 Nigerian pilots in 2021 using A29 tucanos.

US Air Force Test Pilot School Integrates New Aircraft Into Curriculum https://share.google/fdQ9gD7XGxgMIAUTv

bidexiii:
More...

I hate this black khakis, who brought this wack idea of wearing them with black ballistic vest

You miss the point. It doesn't even have to be stand away missiles. Elementary drop bombs targeted properly with JTAC coordination is good enough.

2ndly, Nigeria has existed for 100 years. You mean to tell me with all the brilliant Nigerians all over the world, inclufingvworking in most military complexes in Europe and America, they can't produce standaway missiles at an industrial scale. Iran and North Korea and China are reverse engineering everything.
During the biafran war the biafran forces were practically producing most of these type of weapons via their RAP research units.

VonSmallhausen:
I see what you mean. However, standoff missiles are quite expensive (some cost up to $100 k each, and those are basic ones) and a small airforce like the Nigerian Airforce cannot hope to use them sustainably. Not only would the ones procured with the super tucanos have been exhausted, i can assure you that Trump would not sell new ones to Nigeria right now.

But certainly we should be creative enough to evolve tactics to counter those massed attacks by Boko haram either using air attacks with normal munitions or even just with swift counter attacks using highly mobile ground units. In fairness to our security agencies, I have seen a very good improvement in our responses to these attacks since the disaster at Marte. We simply need to keep up the good work.

Is this chap on the right not former strongman Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, vice president and deputy head supreme headquarters under IBB....?

This Trekker helicopters issue. Apart from being executive taxis or air kabu kabu, is it not more useful if they have FLIR pods, night vision possibilities and attached HMGs and rocket pods?
Abi am I missing something with the numbers and rates at which they are being procured?

bidexiii:
[/b]Enhanced operational synegy: CAS congratulates Nigerian Navy as it inducts new Helicopters[b]

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, today, 31 May 2025, joined other eminent Nigerians in congratulating the Nigerian Navy on the remarkable feat of inducting 3 Leonardo A-109 Trekker helicopters and commissioning 3 ships, NNS Ikogosi, NNS Faro, and NNS Shere.

According to the CAS, the induction of the new assets is "a significant leap that will further enhance jointness and better position the Armed Forces of Nigeria to fulfil its constitutional obligations."

The commissioning of the 3 ships stands as a powerful testament to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the nation's defence architecture and advancing the vision of a safer, more secure Nigeria.

#NigerianNavyStrengthens #MaritimeSecurityMatters #NNSIkogosi #NNSFaro #NNSSherre #LeonardoA109Trekker #NigeriaAirForceSupports #NigerianMilitaryModernization #MaritimeCapabilitiesEnhanced

THE KEYWORDS THERE ARE 150 TERRORISTS & FIREFIGHT LASTING 4 HOURS!!!!!!!
For God's sake, surely even if u scramble JF17s from Abuja, they would arrive on the battlefield scene within that active period and practicallybwipe out 90% of the terrorists with stand away missiles? Allowing the troops to just do elementary clean up.
By the time they do this 5 or 6 times to massed terrorists, they will know never to attack in numbers ever again.

2ndly, Special Operations Joint Air Ground Operators (also referred to as Air Force Special Tactics) are the Air Force's special operations ground force. They are highly trained and deployable, often working with other joint SOF partners to achieve their missions. These operators are capable of air-ground-space-cyber integration in various environments, optimizing the application of airpower..
Designation JTAC- Surely the airforce must have identified the need for night visionary FLIR pods in ALL their aircraft and the need to upscale and train these JTAC Special operators and then embed them in every FOB + optimal comms. I promise you that all this stories of FOBs being destroyed or overrun by terrorists will end.

3rdly, with the JTAC operators, you reduce the risk of collateral civilian deaths and blue on blue / blue on green incidents with vigilantes.

bidex111:
[/b]Troops repel major ISWAP attack on Mallam Fatori IDP camp, neutralized 12 ISWAP insurgents in Borno[b]



The Troops of the Nigerian Army Sector 3 deployed under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a large-scale attack by ISWAP terrorists on an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when over 150 terrorists launched a coordinated assault on troops position from the Kaniram axis.

[/b]It was gathered that the terrorists advanced on foot, firing Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGLs) and deploying armed drones toward the battalion’s main defensive area[b]

The troops reportedly responded swiftly by engaging the terrorists with mortar and tank fire, targeting their avenues of approach from the western flank.

According to the report, “following an extensive firefight that lasted for about four hours, the terrorists managed to breach a section of the IDP camp perimeter.”

However, troops quickly regrouped and counter-engaged the infiltrating terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Copied; @Zagazola

Firstly, why does the Nigerian armed forces feel they need to keep sewing these operations badges?
Surely it's neater and cheaper to just mass print them? This is done routinely in Aba.

2ndly, This Navy marines issue. What exactly is the benefit. Is it not a duplication of NSBS
Let's even assume the function is Naval infantry, why not expand the NSBS and kit them optimally or expand the Army amphibious brigade portharcourt and enhance their expeditionary unit activities + better equipments??

3rdly, The real needs assessment would preferably be organizing a QRF FOR NSA/DSS/NIA for rapid counterinsurgency reaction within Nigeria especially with fulani herdmen/terrorists and burning of villages across th3 middle belt.

Lastly, Nigeria needs to FENCE THE THE NORTHERN BORDERS!!!!!
Or develop the amended multipronged FALCON EYE system or TRACON system with spy satellites, long range drones, helium balloons , integrated ISR planes and QRF.
WHAT EXACTLY is the function of all these cerebral training and policy developing armed forces institutes, TRADOC and universities ?

bidex111:
[/b]COURAGE AND RESILIENCE [b]

NIGERIAN NAVY MARINE

I don't advise anybody to go to uk for anything now or the near future. Their systems are collapsing. They are fighting war in Ukraine, fighting immigrants, blocking all loopholes to immigrants, extending length of time and costs for indefinite leave and citizenship.
Unemployment and retrenchment. Companies are leaving in thousands

What aircraft is this that CAS is looking at?

Looks like a Brazilian version of dornier 228??

bidex111:
More..

What aircraft is this that CAS is looking at?

Looks like a Brazilian version of dornier 228??

Defence Blog
Home News Army Chad receives Chinese-made air defense systems
Chad receives Chinese-made air defense systems
By Dylan Malyasov- Apr 24, 2025


File photo of a FK-2000
Chad has reportedly taken delivery of two Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems, supplied by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of ongoing military support initiatives.

According to local sources, the systems were purchased by the UAE from China and transferred to Chad to enhance the country’s air defense capabilities.

The FK-2000, manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to engage a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The system is frequently compared to Russia’s Pantsir-S1, combining a mobile missile platform with dual automatic cannons to provide layered air defense.

The FK-2000 is mounted on a heavy wheeled chassis and integrates 12 surface-to-air missiles along with two 30mm cannons. Its radar system offers all-weather, day-and-night target detection, with engagement ranges from 1.2 to 25 kilometers and altitude coverage up to 12 kilometers.




The launcher is equipped with a radar station and an unmanned turret featuring search radars. An optional electro-optical infrared targeting system can also be mounted for backup fire control operations.

Sources within Chad’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the delivery of advanced air defense systems from the UAE but declined to specify the exact type or number of units received.

The UAE has a history of acquiring weapon systems from various suppliers and transferring them to regional partners.




For example, the UAE previously supplied Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air defense systems mounted on MAN trucks to Libyan factions during that country’s ongoing conflict.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW


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You are a useless disgrace if you are actually a nigerian. Which i doubt.

Your snivelling, grovelling, ass kissing of your gay south african masters is nauseating.

Find a traditional Nigerian river to wash yourself in and de-emasulate your sissy ass.

MiddleDimension:
Please forgive him because of the likes of us.

With Nigeria's many military hardwares, which I am not impressed with, by the way, we still haven't been able to put a stop to violence in within our country.

Nigeria airforce could pick up a few transport Pumas for cheap here...

https://www.twz.com/air/puma-helicopter-retires-from-uk-service-after-more-than-50-years


Air Helicopters
Puma Helicopter Retires From UK Service After More Than 50 Years
The Puma was a tireless workhorse for the Royal Air Force and its successor has yet to be formally


The Puma medium support helicopter, one of the longest-serving aircraft in the history of the U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF), was retired by the service today, after 54 years of operations. While the workhorse helicopter was seen off in style, with farewell flights in the United Kingdom, as well as in Brunei and Cyprus, the Ministry of Defense is yet to decide on a replacement for the Puma.

At the time of its formal withdrawal today, March 31, the RAF had 23 Pumas on strength, all of which had been upgraded to the definitive HC2 standard. However, months in advance of the retirement, the main operating base at RAF Benson, England, had already begun putting Pumas into storage. The announcement that the Puma fleet would be withdrawn by the end of this month came last November, as part of sweeping cuts of the U.K. Armed Forces, as you can read about here. By that time, the frontline Puma fleet was reduced to 17 active aircraft.

'Orange Glow'-Two Puma 2 medium lift helicopters return home to RAF Benson after a long day supporting Exercise Wessex Storm, moving troops from 2 Para on 4 Dec 2020. The glow from the sunset reflects off the side of the aircraft to create a unique light as they taxi back.
A pair of Puma H2 helicopters return home to RAF Benson after a long day supporting Exercise Wessex Storm, moving troops from 2 Para, in December 2020. Crown Copyright Sgt Andy Holmes
As well as the Pumas, 14 of the oldest Chinook heavy-lift helicopters used by the RAF were also slated to be removed from service.

The farewell flight by three Pumas — callsign WARLOCK flight — out of Benson on March 26 took in various locations that held an important place in the type’s RAF career.

Among them was Northern Ireland, where the Puma was heavily involved during The Troubles, providing support and transport for the British Army, as well as during subsequent peacekeeping efforts.

Key training bases and exercise areas, including Cranwell, Halton, Honington, Shawbury, and the Stanford Training Area (STANTA), were also included.


Meanwhile, Boscombe Down and Airbus Kidlington were on the itinerary, these sites were central for the maintenance and operational upkeep of the RAF Pumas in their last years of service.

Pictured: 33 Squadron Puma flying over the Derwent reservoir bridge, during their final flight on the 27th. The Puma helicopter departs RAF Benson for the final time as it takes off to fly around the UK as part of its farewell flight. The Puma helicopter has been in Service within the RAF for 54 years and will end its flying days as of 31 March 2025. On 26 March RAF Benson waved off Puma helicopters for the last time as they embarked on their farewell flight around the UK. The Puma helicopter has been the work horse of the Royal Air Force (RAF) for over five decades. Introduced into service in 1971, the Puma quickly became a key asset, known for its agility, speed, and versatility. Over the years, it has been deployed in various Operations and humanitarian missions. In recent history it has seen service in Kenya 2009 to 2011 where they supported UK exercises and in Afghanistan 2015 to 2021. It has also provided support in the Caribbean as a part of Operation RUMAN after Hurricane Irma in September 2017. During COVID it took part in Operation RESCRIPT in 2020, providing vital aid to those in need. Up until March 2025, it has been involved in enduring operations in Cyprus and Brunei.
A No. 33 Squadron Puma HC2 flying over the Derwent reservoir bridge, during the final flight from RAF Benson on March 27, 2025. Crown Copyright AS1 Jake Hobbs
“This flight route is via various locations of significance,” said Wing Commander Nick Monahan, commanding officer of No. 33 Squadron and Puma Force Commander. “Each place reflects the rich history and contributions that the Puma has made during its time in service. The aircraft has been a cornerstone of global defense operations for more than five decades. We want to celebrate its contribution to supporting our people around the world over the past 54 years.


Two more farewell flypasts took place at the RAF Puma’s other final operating locations: Brunei, on the island of Borneo, where the helicopter supported a battalion of the British Army’s Royal Gurkha Rifles, and Cyprus, where the type equipped the RAF’s last remaining dedicated search and rescue squadron. The Cyprus-based Pumas were also used to support British military activities on the island and for aerial firefighting.

Pictured: 84 Squadron Puma helicopter conducts a farewell flight over Cyprus. On Thursday 27 March 2025, two Puma helicopters from 84 Squadron departed RAF Akrotiri to conduct a farewell flight of Cyprus. The aircraft flew over both the ESBA and WSBA including flypasts over Larnaca International Airport, Dhekelia Station, Ay Nik Station, Nicosia, Episkopi Station, Paphos International Airport, Troodos Mountains, and a final flight over RAF Akrotiri. The RAF Puma Force have supported critical operations on the frontlines, performed life-saving rescues, provided essential firefighting capabilities and delivered humanitarian aid all over the globe for the last 54 years. Introduced into service in 1971, the Puma quickly became a key asset, known for its agility, speed, and versatility. Over the years, it has been deployed in various Operations and humanitarian missions. In recent history it has seen service in Kenya 2009 to 2011 where they supported UK exercises and in Afghanistan 2015 to 2021. It has also provided support in the Caribbean as a part of Operation RUMAN after Hurricane Irma in September 2017. During COVID it took part in Operation RESCRIPT in 2020, providing vital aid to those in need. Up until March 2025, it has been involved in enduring operations in Cyprus and Brunei. RAF Akrotiri is home of the Cyprus Operations Support Unit which provides joint support to British Forces Cyprus and operations in the region to protect the UK's strategic interests.
A No. 84 Squadron Puma HC conducts a farewell flight over Cyprus on March 27, 2025. Crown Copyright AS1 Natalie Adams RAF

Designed by Aérospatiale of France and built in the United Kingdom by Westland, the Puma first entered RAF service in 1971. Initially, its primary mission was carrying troops and logistics, as well as casualty evacuation, which it was expected to do on the battlefield if NATO had ever gone to war with the Warsaw Pact on the Central Front.

The Puma could carry 12 fully equipped troops or up to 4,400 pounds of freight, the latter moved as internal cargo or underslung, or a mix of the two. For casualty evacuation, it could be configured with up to six stretchers.

The helicopter soon gained a reputation for agility, speed, and versatility during the course of multiple overseas operations and humanitarian relief missions. As well as in Northern Ireland and Belize, the RAF Puma saw notable operational service in Rhodesia, in the 1991 and 2003 conflicts in Iraq, and in the former Yugoslavia, where it contributed to the U.K. effort as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR).

Of the 48 original Puma HC1 variants, 24 were upgraded to HC2 standard, one of these being lost on operations in Afghanistan. The Puma HC2 featured more powerful Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines, increased range, new composite tail rotor blades, and a modern digital cockpit, among other changes, collectively known as the Puma Life Extension Programme (LEP).

“A Moment in Time” A formation of 10 Puma helicopters departed RAF Benson on 7th July 2021 as part of a training sortie that incorporated flypasts of notable locations for the Puma Force over the past 50 years. Pictured here are four of hte Puma’s leaving an RAF Base. This included those that hold historical significance as well as those that provide support to delivering current Puma operational capability. The helicopters have also supported UK resilience such as providing a helicopter lift capability to flood relief efforts and more recently the COVID-19 response. Based at Kinloss Barracks, the Pumas deployed at short notice in the early stages of the pandemic to provide vital transport for personnel and equipment in Scotland and Northern England, as well as being on standby 24/7 to support any task required in the UK. Group Captain Nick Paton, the Puma Force Commander and Station Commander at RAF Benson, said: “Since the Puma first came into service in 1971, it has successfully contributed to operations and humanitarian missions around the globe. Today is a poignant day for all who have served and continue to serve on the Puma Force as we mark 50 years of outstanding service. The commitment and professionalism of the whole team, whether aircrew, engineers, or support staff, has been exceptional. They deserve to be proud of everything they have achieved together over the past five decades.”
A formation of 10 Puma HC2s departs RAF Benson in July 2021 as part of a training sortie. Crown Copyright SAC Emma Wade
The first upgraded Puma HC2s entered RAF service in September 2012, followed by an initial release to service in August 2015.

Once upgraded, Pumas saw extensive service in Afghanistan between 2015 and 2021.


“It’s a great aircraft for the operations we’ve been on,” Squadron Leader Niall Davidson, second-in-command of No. 33 Squadron, told Forces News. “Be that Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan.”

He continued: “It’s a great aircraft for getting in and out of really tight urban sites, even in high altitudes of Kabul we are able to lift troops out of really tight sites and keep them off the roads.”








Other recent Puma assignments included Operation Ruman, providing humanitarian support in the Caribbean after Hurricane Irma struck in September 2017. In the United Kingdom, the Puma was active in the response to the COVID pandemic, under Operation Rescript in 2020.

In Belize and Cyprus, the Puma’s role will be taken on as of next year by six Jupiter (Airbus H145) helicopters, a type that the RAF otherwise primarily uses for advanced training.

“Agile Landings” A 50th Anniversary Puma helicopter flies over the Oxofordshire countryside on 2nd July 2021, Flight Sergeant Richard Barker is seen in the door of the Puma as it lands at salisbury Plains. As part of the Puma 50th anniversary celebrations and commemorations, Puma HC Mk 2 XW224 has been re-painted in a unique paint scheme. The aircraft scheme is similar to that which the first aircraft were painted when they were delivered in 1971 but with several notable differences. The engine housing boasts the badges of all squadrons who have flown the Puma, both as a HC Mk 1 and a HC Mk 2. The tail fin is also emblazoned with the union flag. On the cabin door, the standard Royal Air Force logo has been replaced with the bespoke Puma 50 logo and the cockpit door is annotated with the name of the first Squadron Commander who brought the aircraft into operational service. SAC Hannah Smoker is an RAF Photographer who is into her last year of service and currently working in the Photographic Section at RAF Benson. She joined the RAF in 2013 after attending the University of Lincoln, studying Media Production. Since then she has served at RAF Marham, RAF Coningsby and with the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton.
Wearing a 50th-anniversary special color scheme, a Puma HC2 flies over the Oxfordshire countryside in July 2021. Crown Copyright Hannah Smoker
As for the bulk of the RAF Puma fleet, a replacement is still to be decided.

Last month, it was reported that the United Kingdom was “close” to deciding on a type for its New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement. This is the program to replace the Puma, but it’s been dogged by delays, cost concerns, and the withdrawal of two of the three bidding vendors.

Expected to be worth $1.5 billion, the NMH competition calls for up to 44 new rotorcraft, although, should the program survive, it’s likely to be trimmed down to 23–30 helicopters. As well as the Puma, the NMH is intended to replace the six shadowy ‘Blue Thunder’ AS365N3 Dauphin IIs that are used in support of special forces operations, notably by the Special Air Service (SAS).

Previously, the Airbus Helicopters H175M, Leonardo AW149, and Lockheed Martin S-70M Black Hawk were all in the running for NMH, but last year, both Airbus Helicopters and Lockheed Martin withdrew their participation. The companies said that they couldn’t fulfill the requirement within the budget provided. While it might be expected that Leonardo has now sealed the competition, there are still questions about whether it will survive, at least in its current form, amid a time of tough defense procurement decisions.


As for the retired Pumas, it’s also unclear what will happen to them.

While old, the airframes have been upgraded and well looked after, and they could well be attractive on the secondhand market, provided they are not scrapped.

An alternative might be to donate them to Ukraine, which would surely find a use for them. Kyiv has also previously received helicopters retired by the U.K. Armed Forces, specifically former Royal Navy Sea Kings. Meanwhile, Portugal has also donated eight Pumas to Ukraine, so there would be some useful type of commonality.

Whatever happens next to the ex-RAF Pumas, there’s no doubt that these venerable rotorcraft provided invaluable service to the British Armed Forces over a remarkably long period.

South Africans running from DRC

Just like your LovePeddler mother and your leper father...

PresidObi:
You must be a big criminal and a threat to your community before they can chase you like that?

LIAR.
Unfortunately, this is very common in igbo land.
Distant relatives use this opportunity to seize land belonging to your father which he worked hard for.

It happened to me, this is why I say this with confidence. It took me 15 years to sort the matter out. I spent a lot of money and involved police, army, efcc , courts, African traditional religion, cults. I had to be constantly on the move.
They promised to kill me and my 4 brothers. But in the end we all survived and most of them are dead or debilitated now.
Our hands were clean and baba God saw everything.
God pass all of them.

PresidObi:
This is very bad if true. Very bad of the community.

But.

I have seen cases like this where the said man is the thorn on the flesh of his whole community, attacking, arresting, blackmailing and sabotaging the peace of the community for so long, sheltering at the next village where they have land case with his community. The community sponsoring him later killed him, and because he had been going to the police to allege threats to his life by his community, the police are trying to arrest members of his community.

COAS

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OPERATION LAFIYAN JAMAA: COMMANDER 6 BRIGADE COMMENDS TROOPS, URGES SUSTAINED MOMENTUM AGAINST BANDITRY

The Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, has commended the troops of 6 Brigade for their unwavering commitment and gallantry in the ongoing military operation code named "OPERATION LAFIYAN JAMAA."

The operation, launched across the 16 Local Government Areas of Taraba State, aims to dismantle bandit networks infiltrating the state from neighboring regions and ensuring they find no safe haven. It also seeks to restore peace and security, enabling residents to engage in farming activities without fear during both the dry and rainy seasons.

General Uwa made this commendation today while addressing troops at Andami in Karim Lamido Local Government Area after a successful clearance operation targeting multiple bandit hideouts, including Komodoro, Ginarunbu, Chibi, Chikum, Bitriklin, Mashigi Kirya, Jamaga, and Wagal villages. During these operations, several abandoned bandit camps were discovered and subsequently destroyed, further crippling criminal activities in the area.

The Commander praised the troops for their resilience and urged them to redouble their efforts in sustaining the momentum against banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities plaguing the state. "The successes recorded so far are a testament to your dedication and professionalism. However, we must not relent. We must remain vigilant, decisive, and proactive in ensuring that Taraba State remains unsafe for criminals," General Uwa charged the troops.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to restoring lasting peace and stability in Taraba and beyond, working tirelessly to protect lives and property. The public is encouraged to support security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing operations.

OLUBODUNDE ONI
Captain
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army
13 March 2025

STUDENTS OF JUNIOR COURSE 99/2025 ON OPERATIONAL TOUR TO NIGERIAN ARMY SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING AND TACTICAL AIR COMMAND NIGERIAN AIR FORCE MAKURDI FROM 27 - 28 FEBRUARY 2025.

There appears to be South African, Liberian and possibly s/Leone/gambian junior officers in the fray as well.