The United States has handed over a new hangar to the Nigerien Air Force at Air Base 201 in Agadez, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on 22 January.
A new hangar for the two new C-130 transport aircraft that the Nigerien Air Force will receive was opened at Base AĂ©rienne 201 on 22 January. (US Embassy Niamey)
It said the hangar was forged partly by local citizens and funded by the US State Department. It includes an engine maintenance room as well as storage, tool, and training areas.
AFRICOM said the hangar is capable of accommodating the two C-130 transports recently purchased from the United States by the Nigerien Air Force.
“This milestone ceremony marks an advancement of our partners’ air capabilities by providing baseline infrastructure for their incoming aircraft, which ultimately lays the groundwork for increased organic air mobility to better support operations within the region,” Air Force Brigadier General Steven deMilliano, deputy director of AFRICOM’s Strategy, Engagement, and Programs Directorate, said.
The Nigerien Air Force is expected to receive a C-130 in late February, it was revealed in December 2019, when the US handed over 13 new Mamba armoured vehicles to the army. The Mambas appeared to be the latest MK7 version made by Osprea Logistics.
The Nigerien Air Force acquired two C-130Hs in 1979–1980 but one (5U-MBD) crashed in April 1997. It is unclear if the second (5U-MBH), which was refurbished in Belgium in 1998, is still operational.
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