Defence

Airbus Helicopters Secures 155 Commitments at Heli-Expo 2024

At the end of Heli-Expo 2024, Airbus Helicopters received 155 commitments for a range of its multi-mission helicopters from clients all around the world, including 40 solid orders.

Among the major highlights was a record contract with THC for up to 120 helicopters of different types, which included a solid order for 10 H145s and 8 H125s. Airbus Helicopters maintained its position as the industry leader in helicopter emergency medical services by providing up to 10 H145s for DRF Luftrettung and the H145 for THC. The all-Airbus fleet of U.S. operator HealthNet Aeromedical Services now includes four H135s.

In response to the expanding energy sector, Bristow placed an order for up to 15 H135s, and Canadian tour company Niagara Helicopters added six H130s. Two agreements were launched by Airbus Helicopters and LCI to further enhance their long-standing relationship: one to investigate the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, and the other to address the industry’s long-term capacity, sustainability, and financing needs.

Airbus Helicopters announced an HCare contract on the support and services side, which guarantees tip-to-tail coverage for the 18 H225 helicopters owned by Air Centre Helicopters. A deal with HCare PBH was struck with DSA, the emergency medical services provider in the Czech Republic, to provide coverage for its eight H135 helicopters. The collaboration between GPMS and Airbus Helicopters has improved FlyScan since more operators will be able to share data with Airbus and take advantage of proactive technical support and customized recommendations through GPMS’s HUMS solution.

Using an H145 and an H125, Airbus Helicopters conducted demonstration flights utilizing 30% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) during Heli-Expo, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to using SAF as feasible.

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Defence

India Offers $200 Million LOC to Nigeria for Tejas Jets

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India and Nigeria have taken a major leap forward in their strategic partnership with a series of agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile visit to Nigeria on November 12. As reported by IDRW.

These agreements span critical areas, including defence, economic development, and food security, signaling a shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties.

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Among the standout developments, India has proposed the sale of its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), showcasing its growing role in global defense markets.

Advancing Defence Cooperation

A significant highlight of the agreements is India extending a $200 million Line of Credit (LOC) to Nigeria. This financial support is specifically designed to facilitate the procurement of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

As Nigeria looks to modernize its air combat capabilities, the tejas Mk1A offers an advanced, cost-effective solution to replace the country’s ageing Chengdu F-7NI fighter jets, which are increasingly considered outdated against modern threats.

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The LCA-Tejas Mk1A is a state-of-the-art, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft. Its advanced avionics, lightweight design, and powerful weaponry position it as a formidable choice for nations seeking affordable yet capable air defense solutions.

Strengthening Economic Ties

India’s interest in supplying the hal tejas is part of a broader strategy to challenge the dominance of Russia and China in Africa’s defense sector. India and Nigeria share a robust economic relationship, with India emerging as Nigeria’s largest trading partner in 2021-22.

The potential sale of 15 tejas mark 1a fighter jets aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its defense readiness and modernize its military.

This recent development follows India’s active push to establish itself as a key defense supplier to Nigeria. In March 2024, a defense industry delegation visited Abuja to explore potential exports, including the LCA tejas fighter jet.

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Nigeria has previously evaluated other Indian-made platforms such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand,’ the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) ‘Dhruv.’

India’s expanding defense engagement with Nigeria reflects its ambition to strengthen ties with Africa’s largest economy. With Nigeria looking to upgrade its military infrastructure, India’s competitive and reliable defense solutions offer a win-win partnership.