U.S Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Nigerian Air Force Members, pose for a photo during a tour at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, June 12, 2025. The tour featured an AH-1Z Viper assigned to HMLA-367 and allowed the Marines and Nigerian Air Force members to discuss the roles and capabilities of the squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Schirmer)
PMA-276, Nigerian Air Force Collaborate on AH-1Z Viper Acquisition
The U.S. Marine Corps H-1 Light/Attack Helicopter Program Office (PMA-276) hosted a Program Management Review (PMR) in Carlsbad, California with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in June to advance the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to their Air Force. The helicopters aim to bolster the operational capabilities of the NAF in addressing security challenges.
The strategic meeting held June 9-13 brought together U.S. government officials, industry partners, and a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar. PMRs are standard practice for managing naval aviation life cycle support, covering technical progress, cost and schedule performance, risk management, and future plans.
“We are deeply grateful to the United States Government for its enduring strategic partnership with Nigeria,” said Air Marshal Abudakar. “The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters will significantly enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.”
As part of the PMR, the NAF delegation visited Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 at Camp Pendleton, California. They toured Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 (MALS-39), both actively involved in AH-1Z operation and maintenance. Marines of MAG-39 demonstrated their knowledge of the platform and answered questions from the NAF delegation regarding maintenance shops, piloting, and logistical warehousing.
Air Marshal Abubakar inspected the helicopters and consulted with U.S. Marine Corps officers on best practices for operation, sustainment, and logistics support. The Nigerian delegation expressed their appreciation for the in-depth access provided, noting it was the most comprehensive behind-the-scenes look they had received when purchasing military aircraft.
The collaboration underscores the commitment of the United States to supporting Nigeria's efforts to enhance its security capabilities. The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters is expected to significantly improve the NAF's ability to respond to evolving threats and maintain stability within the region.
PMA-276 manages the cradle to grave procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal of the Marine Corps rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance and fire support program systems.
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Christopher Whitson, left, an AH-1Z Viper pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks with Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Ali Idris, center, the director of training and Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the director of operations, both with Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, during a tour at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, June 12, 2025. The tour featured an AH-1Z Viper assigned to HMLA-367 and allowed the Marines and Nigerian Air Force members to discuss the roles and capabilities of the squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Schirmer)