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One More Arms Market Lost by russia: Nigeria Becomes the First Country to Buy Indian Helicopters

One More Arms Market Lost by russia: Nigeria Becomes the First Country to Buy Indian Helicopters
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While russians were promising to deliver the last of delayed Mi-35 attack helicopters, Nigeria made a pivot toward procurement of Prachand from India

Products of russian military industry have become so toxic that the Kremlin is not only losing traditional defense customers but also some of the niche markets it dominated for decades. The latest example is Nigeria, which, despite having an active contract for twelve Mi-35 attack helicopters — a deal russia claims is "partially fulfilled" but Nigerian officials describe as delayed — is now turning to another supplier: India.

According to reports by Defence, an Indian news portal, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defense has opted for Indian-made helicopters, specifically choosing to purchase four LCH Prachand light attack helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). While the value of the deal remains undisclosed, it is noted that the sale is facilitated through extensive lending agreements.

Read more: Dozen Mi-35 for Nigeria Contract is "Partially Fulfilled" Says russia Forgetting to Mention an Important Detail

For HAL and India, this marks the first export of attack helicopters. Domestically, however, the Prachand has proven popular, with India’s armed forces ordering 165 units since 2016.

Interestingly, Nigeria originally sought to acquire twelve helicopters, exactly matching its contract with russia for Mi-35s. Moreover, in 2023, Nigeria ordered six T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, making its choice of the LCH Prachand particularly noteworthy.

India began developing the Prachand in 2006, using the Dhruv utility helicopter as a base, which itself first flew in 1992. Revamped beyond recognition, the attack version took to the skies in 2010 and entered mass production in 2017.

The LCH Prachand is powered by dual rotors, each generating 1032 kW, allowing the helicopter to take off with a maximum weight of 5,800 kg, including a 1,700 kg payload. The helicopter can reach speeds of up to 280 km/h, with an endurance of 3 hours and 10 minutes, and a maximum operational range of 700 km.

The helicopter also incorporates a range of foreign technologies and components. Its engines are locally manufactured French Safran Ardiden units, while its electro-optical sighting system comes from Israel’s Elbit, and the missile warning system is provided by Saab.

In this instance, India has effectively displaced russia from the defense market — a situation reminiscent of India’s plans to modernize russian Su-30 fighter jets for third-party countries with little to no russian involvement.

The Prachand’s armament is primarily European, featuring a 20mm Nexter THL-20 automatic cannon and FZ275 Laser Guided Rockets from Thales, alongside the Mistral missile system, which operates similarly to the U.S. APKWS. While India intends to eventually arm the helicopter with its own missiles, such as the Dhruvastra (also known as the "air-launched Javelin"), delays have slowed the progress of this integration.

Read more: New Attempt to Restart Mi-34 Production as Litmus Paper of russian Import Substitution