Nigerian Army Orders Cayuse Warrior Scout Helicopters

ATLANTA—Nigeria’s Army has ordered a dozen MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack/scout helicopters from U.S. manufacturer MD Helicopters to bolster the country’s counterinsurgency operations.

The direct commercial sale–the value of which was undisclosed–bolsters MD Helicopters’ backlog as the company continues to re-establish operations under the ownership of an investment consortium that includes MBIA Insurance, Bardin Hill Investment Partners LP, and MB Global Partners. 

MD Helicopters says the aircraft will be delivered in the Cayuse Warrior Plus configuration, which equips them with a Dillon Aero-developed weapons plank. This allows the firing of guided rockets such as the BAE Systems-developed Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS).

MD Helicopters says it is ramping up production capabilities and staffing to cope with the order, as previously reported by Aviation Week.

“We are grateful for the trust of the Nigerian government and are pleased to showcase our purpose-built, light attack aircraft solution to Nigeria and the world,” says Brad Pedersen, president and CEO of MD Helicopters. He announced the order at the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo event here on March 7. “MD Helicopters has streamlined our production processes to directly address the current and planned increase of aircraft orders,” Pedersen added.

MD Helicopters says the aircraft will be used for area security, tactical reconnaissance convoy escort and drug interdiction missions in Nigeria. 

The Nigerian selection includes a complete integrated logistics package as well as spares, pilot and maintainer training, and a flight training device.

The purchase aligns with Abuja’s efforts to strengthen the Nigerian armed forces to help tackle the threats posed by Islamic insurgent groups.

Groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) have managed to gain control of significant ungoverned areas in the country’s north over the last decade, as well as carrying out attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria. The country’s Army and Air Force have been recapitalized with new aircraft and equipment, while other programs have aimed to boost the armed forces’ professionalism.