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Battle Field Discussion (picture/video) Of African Military . - Foreign Affairs (2233) - Nairaland 33634

Battle Field Discussion (picture/video) Of African Military . (3399539 Views)

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AskiaHarem(m): 8:15pm On Mar 24
Would you consider this a fair assessment of the conflicting factions in the DRC? Are Rwandan troops actually firing upon South African & EAC peacekeepers? All of these key players are part of the East African Community and is seems the neighborhood considers Rwanda to be in the wrong here. So your telling not only has Rwanda not been suspended yet but The East African Community is fundamentally in a “pseudo civil war” amongst its states? undecided

The EAC should have never expanded. lipsrsealed

andrewza: 4:56pm On Mar 25
AskiaHarem:
Would you consider this a fair assessment of the conflicting factions in the DRC? Are Rwandan troops actually firing upon South African & EAC peacekeepers? All of these key players are part of the East African Community and is seems the neighborhood considers Rwanda to be in the wrong here. So your telling not only has Rwanda not been suspended yet but The East African Community is fundamentally in a “pseudo civil war” amongst its states? undecided

The EAC should have expanded. lipsrsealed


I would say that the M23 is an arm of the Rwandan military at this point. In of training and equipment, they so linked to Rwanda that they could be a branch of the RDF.

I think the fighting that took place was complicated and that without Rwandan , the M23 would have failed in their attack. I don't think it matters if the soldiers that attacked the SADC forces were the Rwanan army or M23 at this point.


All so I agree Rwanda should be suspended.
Ikaeniyan0: 8:12pm On Mar 25
Look at the population of the two country military, Omo no b by size o, but a large population is also important sha.
bidex111: 10:14pm On Mar 25
[/b]NAF AIRSTRIKES NEUTRALIZE KEY TERRORIST FIGHTERS, DESTROY GUN TRUCKS AROUND TIMBUKTU TRIANGLE[b]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), has executed devastating airstrikes on a terrorist enclave north of Chiralia, a known hideout within the notorious Timbuktu Triangle. The precision airstrikes, conducted over the weekend, resulted in the neutralization of multiple terrorists and the destruction of 3 gun trucks, significantly disrupting terrorists activities in the region.

The operation was initiated following actionable intelligence from ground troops, which tracked 3 terrorist gun trucks moving from Sabon Gari toward Chiralia. Responding swiftly, the Air Component deployed fighter jets for an Air Interdiction (AI) mission. Upon arrival at the target location, NAF pilots identified multiple terrorists and their 3 gun trucks concealed under trees.

With precision and lethality, the NAF aircraft engaged the targets, unleashing rockets and cannons that obliterated 2 of the vehicles. As the insurgents attempted to reposition the third gun truck, a follow-up strike was executed, destroying it completely. The overwhelming firepower set all targeted vehicles ablaze, while scores of terrorists attempting to flee were neutralized in the aftermath.

This decisive operation underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, denying insurgents freedom of movement, and providing critical air to ground forces. With sustained air superiority, the NAF remains resolute in its counterterrorism efforts, ensuring that insurgents find no safe haven while reinforcing security and stability across the North-East.

Kabiru Ali
Group Captain
Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
24 March 2025

1 Like

QuietMynd: 4:16pm On Mar 26
andrewza:


the SADC forces are still in the DRC. Just because they withdrawing does not mean they just get up and leave. There is a lot of work that must go in to withdrawing and closing down a base. It could take a year if not years to withdraw from the country fully.
U know u don't have to respond to every moniker right ?

1 Like

bidex111: 5:43pm On Mar 27

2 Likes

bidex111: 9:34pm On Mar 28
[/b]NOTORIOUS BANDIT KINGPIN NEUTRALIZED IN ZAMFARA[b]

He masterminded inded cattle rustling operations and imposed illegal taxes on villages under his control.

T roops of Operation Fansan Yanma have eliminated notorious bandit leader Kachallah Dan Isihu, bringing an end to his years-long reign of terror across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna State.

Kachallah, a ruthless warlord, was responsible for numerous deadly raids, ambushes on security forces, and mass kidnappings.

He masterminded cattle rustling operations and imposed illegal taxes on villages under his control.
His influence stretched beyond local banditry — he played a key role in the infamous Kaduna train attack, where he allegedly received N800million in ransom from negotiations.

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed on his X handle on Thursday that notorious bandit leader Kachallah, was neutralised in a decisive military operation.

Kachallah’s criminal network, which controlled key supply routes for arms and ransom payments, is now expected to weaken under sustained military pressure.

According to Zagazola, Kachallah’s activities escalated during Ramadan, when he intensified attacks, reportedly killing at least one person daily as part of what he called a “personal obligation.”

In the weeks leading up to his death, he orchestrated multiple high-profile attacks that placed him at the top of security forces’ most-wanted list.

These included: "A twin assault on Tsafe town that resulted in the deaths of the Tsafe Local Government Security Chief, vigilante , and security operatives.

Daily ambushes along the Tsafe-Yankara highway, where he and his men terrorized travelers, launching up to seven attacks in a single day and coordinated raids on rural communities, burning homes, and forcing entire villages to flee.

Kachallah’s operations were bolstered by his alliance with Ado Alero, a notorious bandit leader wanted by the Katsina State Government, with a ₦5million bounty on his head.

The military tracked Kachallah’s movements to a well-fortified camp in the forests of Zamfara, a key base for his operations.

Zagazola noted that under Operation Fansan Yanma, a special task force comprising elite ground troops, Air Force fighter jets, and tactical reconnaissance units launched a coordinated assault.

Zagazola detailed the offensive, describing it as swift and devastating: Aerial bombardments targeted key positions, cutting off escape routes.
"Ground forces simultaneously engaged Isihu’s fighters in a fierce battle.

After hours of resistance, Isihu was fatally wounded and later died in Danjibga forest, along with dozens of his fighters.

A military officer who participated in the mission recounted the moment they confirmed Isihu’s death:

"We knew the battle was over when his men started fleeing in disarray. We had been fighting them for four days. He was wounded earlier but later succumbed to his injuries this evening."

The elimination of Kachallah represents a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in the North-West.

"For residents of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, his downfall provides a rare moment of relief. However, security forces remain on high alert, vowing to sustain their offensive until all criminal elements are eradicated," he added.

https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/27/nigerian-troops-reportedly-kill-notorious-bandits-leader-kachallah-isihu-zamfara

3 Likes

bidex111: 2:18pm On Mar 29
[/b]Egypt confirms procurement talks for FA-50 light attack aircraft with South Korea are moving forward[b]



https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/egypt-confirms-procurement-talks-for-fa-50-light-attack-aircraft-with-south-korea-are-moving-forward
AskiaHarem(m): 12:48am On Mar 30
bidex111:
[/b]Egypt confirms procurement talks for FA-50 light attack aircraft with South Korea are moving forward[b]



https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/egypt-confirms-procurement-talks-for-fa-50-light-attack-aircraft-with-south-korea-are-moving-forward

Wish Nigeria would buy Aircraft in bulk like that.
andrewza: 7:07am On Mar 30
AskiaHarem:


Wish Nigeria would buy Aircraft in bulk like that.

Your country does not have the cash for a deal like that. Egypt gets a lot of miltary aid money from America so they have money to throw arround

3 Likes

tutudesz: 12:40pm On Mar 30
andrewza:


Your country does not have the cash for a deal like that. Egypt gets a lot of miltary aid money from America so they have money to throw arround
undecided
bidex111: 5:23pm On Mar 30
[/b]Happy Eid-Ul-Fitr [b]

AskiaHarem(m): 7:40pm On Mar 30
andrewza:


Your country does not have the cash for a deal like that. Egypt gets a lot of miltary aid money from America so they have money to throw arround

Yes I’m aware of that. I don’t expect Nigeria to order four dozen fighters in one order but a simple dozen or squadron from time to time or annually would be great. I tire of the handful of tanks or fighters here and there.
bidex111: 9:23pm On Mar 30
#CION
#OPERATIONAL PHOTOS

6 Likes

andrewza: 9:57am On Mar 31
AskiaHarem:


Yes I’m aware of that. I don’t expect Nigeria to order four dozen fighters in one order but a simple dozen or squadron from time to time or annually would be great. I tire of the handful of tanks or fighters here and there.

The biggest issue with Nigeria is they keeping ordering different things.

İt OK to buy one or two jets or tanks a year as long as they the same jet.

4 Likes

bidexiii: 4:05pm On Mar 31
andrewza:


The biggest issue with Nigeria is they keeping ordering different things.

İt OK to buy one or two jets or tanks a year as long as they the same jet.


How many deferent equipment/things we have has an army or airforce ?
Odunayaw(m): 12:29pm On Apr 01
The news about Niger pulling out of MNJTF has been debunked.

Someday soon Nigeria will be forced to secure it's borders. Something must force us.

5 Likes

andrewza: 1:33pm On Apr 01
bidexiii:



How many deferent equipment/things we have has an army or airforce ?

The nigerian army uses 12 difrent rifles and 3 difrent calibers 5.56 nato, 7.62mm pact and 7.62mm nato

4 difrent tanks and 3 difrent calibers for the main gun 125mm, 105mm and 100mm

2 difrent tracked scout vechiels but it the same chassie so it not a big deal

5 difrent armoured scout cars.

2 difrent IFVs

Then more than 20 difrent APCs, MRAPs and other armoured vechiles.

Now a lot of these do the same job in a difrent method but in a lot of cases Nigeria has multpil vechiles doing the same job and some of them are in so low numbers as to make it strange you have them. Why does the nigerian army have 5 casspir MRAPs are those even still working are the 40 Reva MRAPs even still working. How much more does it cost in maintance VS the VP3.


İ under stand having small numbers of vechiels if they do a very specfic job like speciol forces but the REVA is a Mrap on par with all the other MRAPs

1 Like

Exnavyboy62: 2:51pm On Apr 01
andrewza:


The biggest issue with Nigeria is they keeping ordering different things.

İt OK to buy one or two jets or tanks a year as long as they the same jet.

In the 1990s, sanctions and arms embargoes were placed on Nigeria which had a lasting effect that caused the Boko Haram insurgency to be a difficult issue to deal with because many of our weapons systems that were of western origin then were grounded due to lack spare parts and we weren’t also able to purchase replacements.
So in order to avoid future occurrences, the defence headquarters diversifies our armaments suppliers. If the west sabotages our weapons systems with sanctions, we have eastern origin weapon systems to rely on and vice versa. But now we are taking note of the importance of self reliance and building our own weapons systems, slowly but steadily.

1 Like

Exnavyboy62: 2:53pm On Apr 01
Odunayaw:
The news about Niger pulling out of MNJTF has been debunked.

Someday soon Nigeria will be forced to secure it's borders. Something must force us.

Someday soon is probably today, Although it’s yet to be confirmed, I came across a post on X by Defence News Nigeria that the Cameroonian Gendarmerie has occupied and annexed some parts of Nigeria in the east.
Exnavyboy62: 3:09pm On Apr 01
andrewza:


The nigerian army uses 12 difrent rifles and 3 difrent calibers 5.56 nato, 7.62mm pact and 7.62mm nato

4 difrent tanks and 3 difrent calibers for the main gun 125mm, 105mm and 100mm

2 difrent tracked scout vechiels but it the same chassie so it not a big deal

5 difrent armoured scout cars.

2 difrent IFVs

Then more than 20 difrent APCs, MRAPs and other armoured vechiles.

Now a lot of these do the same job in a difrent method but in a lot of cases Nigeria has multpil vechiles doing the same job and some of them are in so low numbers as to make it strange you have them. Why does the nigerian army have 5 casspir MRAPs are those even still working are the 40 Reva MRAPs even still working. How much more does it cost in maintance VS the VP3.


İ under stand having small numbers of vechiels if they do a very specfic job like speciol forces but the REVA is a Mrap on par with all the other MRAPs

I’m guessing you got this info from the list of equipments of the Nigerian army in Wikipedia. Not all vehicles you see in that list are still in active service with the Nigerian army. The Nigerian army is very secretive about its inventory and procurements so it’s difficult to keep track of which vehicles are in active service and which are not.

I would assume the Reva and Casspir MRAPs are not in active service because the last time we saw the Reva MRAPs on the field is as far back as 2015s during the Jonathan istration. Nowadays the most common vehicle on the field is the CS/VP-3 Bigfoot MRAPs and the DongFeng Mengshi CSK 131.
As for the Casspir, due to its meagre number of 5, its likely the Nigerian army bought them to test them and see if they would be good on Nigerian terrain or if they would be able to work as expected of them. If anything, both Reva and Casspir have probably been cannibalized for spare parts or used in the developments of some of our locally made armoured vehicles.

1 Like

Odunayaw(m): 3:28pm On Apr 01
Exnavyboy62:


Someday soon is probably today, Although it’s yet to be confirmed, I came across a post on X by Defence News Nigeria that the Cameroonian Gendarmerie has occupied and annexed some parts of Nigeria in the east.
Meh
It will be the fire brigade approach without any decisiveness
andrewza: 3:52pm On Apr 01
Exnavyboy62:


I’m guessing you got this info from the list of equipments of the Nigerian army in Wikipedia. Not all vehicles you see in that list are still in active service with the Nigerian army. The Nigerian army is very secretive about its inventory and procurements so it’s difficult to keep track of which vehicles are in active service and which are not.

I would assume the Reva and Casspir MRAPs are not in active service because the last time we saw the Reva MRAPs on the field is as far back as 2015s during the Jonathan istration. Nowadays the most common vehicle on the field is the CS/VP-3 Bigfoot MRAPs and the DongFeng Mengshi CSK 131.
As for the Casspir, due to its meagre number of 5, its likely the Nigerian army bought them to test them and see if they would be good on Nigerian terrain or if they would be able to work as expected of them. If anything, both Reva and Casspir have probably been cannibalized for spare parts or used in the developments of some of our locally made armoured vehicles.

You are probably correct there but I feel it still was a waist those Rəva and casspirs could of been skipped
AskiaHarem(m): 6:46pm On Apr 01
Exnavyboy62:


Someday soon is probably today, Although it’s yet to be confirmed, I came across a post on X by Defence News Nigeria that the Cameroonian Gendarmerie has occupied and annexed some parts of Nigeria in the east.

Yea sure like when they said Benin Republic invaded and annexed parts of Western Nigeria. grin grin😂😂
rugged7(m): 2:37am On Apr 02
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 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 ing 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 ing 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 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 ed UK exercises and in Afghanistan 2015 to 2021. It has also provided 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 ing 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 ed 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 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 ed 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 ed UK exercises and in Afghanistan 2015 to 2021. It has also provided 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 Unit which provides t 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 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 to delivering current Puma operational capability. The helicopters have also ed 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 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 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 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 ed 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 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.

1 Like

Odunayaw(m): 11:12am On Apr 02
^^^ NAF could get 12. 6 in active service, the remaining to serve as spares.

Medium lift helicopter alongside SAMs is something I don't understand why NAF isn't eager about

2 Likes

bidex111: 10:03pm On Apr 04
[/b]NAF DELEGATES PARTICIPATE IN MILITARY FLIGHT TRAINING CONFERENCE ALONGSIDE TOP INTERNATIONAL AVIATORS IN ITALY[b]

In line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s (CAS) key driver of deliberate training and force-oriented force development, a team of 5 senior officers from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) participated in the 2025 Military Flight Training Conference organised by Defence iQ in Sardinia, Italy. The conference, which took place from 31 March to 2 April 2025, brought together global stakeholders to enhance training efficiency and explore cost-effective solutions in military aviation.

Speaking on the significance of training in air power development, the CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has emphasised the critical role of human capacity development in national defence. According to the CAS , “An air force’s strength is not just in its aircraft, but in the people who wake up every day ready to defend the nation, no matter the cost.”

The NAF delegation, led by Air Vice Marshal SK Aneke, comprised instructor pilots and an artificial intelligence (AI) expert. Their participation underscored the service’s commitment to leveraging innovation and strategic collaboration to advance its training programmes. Discussions at the conference focused on integrating advanced technologies, enhancing interoperability, and developing industry-ed training initiatives, including outsourcing solutions.

The conference provided NAF officers with an opportunity to exchange knowledge with international counterparts and gain insights into emerging trends in military flight training. Their participation aligns with the service’s ongoing efforts to enhance human capital development and optimise operational effectiveness through cutting-edge training methodologies.

AskiaHarem(m): 1:20am On Apr 05
Odunayaw:
The news about Niger pulling out of MNJTF has been debunked.

Someday soon Nigeria will be forced to secure it's borders. Something must force us.

What borders are unsecure?
bidex111: 11:17am On Apr 05
NIGERIAN MILITARY, BREICH UNVEILS 1ST INDIGENEOUS ATTACK UAV


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vMB9LnFReY?si=0QTS545b8r9uI_8k

4 Likes

bidex111: 11:37am On Apr 05
bidex111:
NIGERIAN MILITARY, BREICH UNVEILS 1ST INDIGENEOUS ATTACK UAV


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vMB9LnFReY?si=0QTS545b8r9uI_8k


[/b]NewsNigerian military, Briech launch locally made attack drones[b]

Odunayaw(m): 12:14pm On Apr 05
AskiaHarem:


What borders are unsecure?
Any search engine of your choice would be fine

1 Like

Odunayaw(m): 12:19pm On Apr 05
bidex111:
NIGERIAN MILITARY, BREICH UNVEILS 1ST INDIGENEOUS ATTACK UAV


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vMB9LnFReY?si=0QTS545b8r9uI_8k
The bottom barrel journalism here though. So much time was given to clips of speech from dignitaries that no one ed to provide specs about the UAV itself.

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Kenya Is Ahead of Nigeria In All Aspect (Facts Don't Lie)

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