The Nigerian Army has signed a contract with MD Helicopters for the delivery of 12 Cayuse Warrior Plus scout/attack helicopters.
The latest variant of the tactical light attack helicopter will be used by the Nigerian Army to assist in counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in Nigeria. The contract includes options for Nigeria’s purchase of up to 36 units.
To support production, MDH restructured its production facility and has planned a staff increase of over 120 employees. Since coming under new ownership in September 2022 following a bankruptcy procedure, the company has closed its airframe manufacturing plant in Mexico and will build aircraft from the ground up in Arizona. The company says these restructuring efforts will also support additional, large aircraft orders and strategic customer engagement opportunities.
“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 at MD Helicopters. “MD Helicopters has streamlined our production processes to directly address the current and planned increase of aircraft orders.”
The Cayuse Warrior Plus is a derivative of the original Cayuse Warrior with mission enhancements including sensors, weapons system, avionics improvements, armor, and increased power performance.
In Nigerian service, the helicopters will be used for area security, tactical reconnaissance convoy escort, and drug interdiction missions. The Nigerian selection includes a complete ILS package, spares, pilot and maintainer training, and a flight training device.
Cayuse Warrior Plus comes equipped with a Dillon Aero weapons plank, weapons management systems from Moog, and L3Harris Wescam MX-10D sensors. These modifications allow the Plus to employ weapons such as AGM-114 Hellfire missile and Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System guided rockets.
