The Niger Armed Forces are now better able to perform their duties after the recent delivery of some new airplanes and trucks obtained through U.S. security cooperation programs.

On July 5, officials from Niger and the United States gathered at Nigerien Airbase 101 in Niamey for a ceremony marking the official hand over of two new Cessna airplanes and 10 Toyota trucks to the Nigerien military.

The single engine propeller driven airplanes were purchased through the National Defense Authorization Act Section 1206 program that is jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. State Department. The $11 million package covered the initial costs of the planes and related expenses, including maintenance and pilot training. The planes enhance the cargo movement capabilities for Nigerien forces.

The 10 new trucks were obtained under the Trans-Sahara Counter-Terrorism Partnership (TSCTP) program.  The small trucks are part of a $4.2 million package that includes larger water and fuel trucks that will be delivered later. The vehicles will be used to enhance border security efforts across Niger.