The United States government has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Nigeria, comprising munitions, precision bombs, rockets, and related equipment valued at an estimated $346 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the approval in a statement dated August 13 and received via email on Thursday. The agency noted that it had officially notified the US Congress of the proposed deal.
“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Nigeria of munitions, precision bombs, and precision rockets, along with related equipment, for an estimated cost of $346 million,” the statement read. “The DSCA has delivered the required certification to Congress.”
Under the proposed deal, Nigeria has requested a total of 1,002 MK-82 500-pound general-purpose bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for the Paveway II GBU-12, and 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for the Paveway II GBU-58. The request also includes 1,517 MAU-169 or MAU-209 Computer Control Groups for the GBU-12 and GBU-58, 1,002 FMU-152 Joint Programmable Fuzes, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) all-up rounds, which consist of guidance sections, high-explosive warheads, and MK66-4 rocket motors.
In addition to these major defense items, the package includes FMU-139 programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and training rockets, integration and test equipment, as well as logistics and technical support services.
According to the DSCA, the proposed sale is intended to enhance Nigeria’s capability to address current and future security challenges, including counter-terrorism and anti-trafficking operations within the country and in the Gulf of Guinea.
“This sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defense capacity of a key strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the statement noted. “It will not alter the military balance in the region or negatively impact US defense readiness.”
The principal contractors for the proposed sale are RTX Missiles and Defense, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and BAE Systems. No offset agreements have been proposed at this time, though such agreements may be defined during future negotiations between Nigeria and the contractors.
The DSCA clarified that the implementation of the sale would not require the deployment of additional US personnel to Nigeria. The final cost and quantity may vary based on Nigeria’s specific requirements, available budget, and finalized agreements.
