Nigeria seeks C295 airlifter for COIN, counter-terrorism

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke led a Nigerian Air Force delegation to Spain from 14–18 March to learn about the C295 ahead of a possible acquisition. ( Nigerian Air Force)

Nigeria is looking to acquire the Airbus Defence and Space (DS) C295 airlifter to support ongoing counterinsurgency (COIN) and counter-terrorism operations.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced its intent on 23 March, saying the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke had earlier in the month led a delegation to Spain to be briefed on the twin-turboprop transport aircraft and its capabilities.

“Central to the engagements were discussions on the potential acquisition of the C295 aircraft to strengthen operational mobility in support of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations,” the NAF said. “At the 35th Wing of the Spanish Air and Space Force, Getafe Air Force Base [near Madrid], the delegation was received and briefed on the aircraft's operational employment, gaining valuable insights into its effectiveness in troop transport, logistics support, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions, as well as its reliability, adaptability, and cost-effective maintenance profile.”

As noted by the NAF, the delegation subsequently held strategic discussions at the headquarters of Airbus DS in Madrid, focusing on the aircraft's global acceptance, versatility, and performance across diverse operational environments. “Airbus also highlighted its comprehensive support architecture, including training, logistics frameworks, and long-term sustainment packages tailored to customer requirements,” it said.

Further to the C295, the NAF delegation received company briefings on its SIRTAP unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and A400M airlifter.

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