The United States have delivered a second former US Air Force C-130H Hercules transport aircraft to the Nigerien Armed Forces.
The second of overall three aircraft was handed over by US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa in a December 7 ceremony at the Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey.
The delivery will support continued humanitarian operations and help counter extremist organizations missions throughout the Sahel alongside Nigerien Air Force partners.
“We proudly stand alongside our Nigerien partners as we celebrate the enhanced strength of our coalition force,” said US Air Force Maj. Gen. James Kriesel, National Guard Assistant to the Commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA. “Niger has built a defense framework committed to amplifying regional security and stability throughout the Sahel.”
“This momentous occasion is a testament to the long-standing, enduring, and productive partnership between the United States and Niger,” US Embassy in Niamey Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Susan N’Garnim added.
Niger received the first C-130 in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.
Since 2013, the US has partnered with the Niger Air Force, matching millions of dollars, to revitalize its C-130 program. Little Rock Air Force Base’s C-130 Formal Training Unit provided an international pilot training program, which graduated the first Nigerien female pilot and educated other pilots in the program.
In 2017, Niger became partners with the Indiana National Guard through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, and USAFE-AFAFRICA has expanded these relationships through security cooperation initiatives, force development programs, and participation in the recent Executive African Partnership Flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
