The United States has approved a potential $346 million arms package for Nigeria, featuring bombs, precision-guided munitions, and rockets, in a move aimed at boosting the country’s defence capabilities.
In a statement quoted by Reuters on Wednesday, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the U.S. State Department had cleared the possible Foreign Military Sale and formally notified Congress.
The package includes 1,002 MK-82 general purpose 500 lb bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for 500 lb Paveway II GBU-12, 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for 250 lb Paveway II GBU-58, 1,517 computer control groups for Paveway II systems, 1,002 joint programmable fuzes, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II all-up-rounds.
Non-major defence equipment in the deal covers bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration support and test equipment, and technical, engineering, and logistics support services.
Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defense, and BAE Systems have been named as the contractors for the proposed sale.
According to the DSCA, the sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening the defence of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The agency noted there is no offset agreement tied to the deal, and no additional U.S. personnel will be deployed to Nigeria for its execution. It also stressed the sale would not affect America’s defence readiness.
