U.S. donates second C-130 to Niger to support enduring Sahel operations

Niger received the first of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.

“We proudly stand alongside our Nigerien partners as we celebrate the enhanced strength of our coalition force.” - U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kriesel

By U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa , U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa NIAMEY, Niger Dec 07, 2021

View Gallery

Gallery contains 4 images

U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa delivered a second U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules, formally transferred to the Nigerien Armed Forces during a Dec. 7 ceremony at the Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey.

The delivery marks the enduring commitment by the U.S. to support continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions throughout the Sahel alongside Nigerien Air Force partners.

“We proudly stand alongside our Nigerien partners as we celebrate the enhanced strength of our coalition force,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James Kriesel, National Guard assistant to the commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA. “Niger has built a defense framework committed to amplifying regional security and stability throughout the Sahel.”

U.S. Embassy in Niamey Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Susan N’Garnim added, “This momentous occasion is a testament to the long-standing, enduring, and productive partnership between the United States and Niger.”

Niger received the first of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.

Since 2013, the U.S. has partnered with the Niger Air Force, matching millions of dollars, to revitalize its C-130 program. Little Rock Air Force Base’s C-130 Formal Training Unit provided an international pilot training program, which graduated the first Nigerien female pilot and educated other pilots in the program.

The U.S. is providing enduring program support through infrastructure development, maintenance training, advisors, aviation parts, and other supporting equipment. The U.S. has recently refurbished a hangar, and funds are being provided to support the construction of a second hangar and an aviation parts warehouse.

In 2017, Niger became partners with the Indiana National Guard through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, and USAFE-AFAFRICA has expanded these relationships through security cooperation initiatives, force development programs, and participation in the recent Executive African Partnership Flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

USAFE-AFAFRICA's presence in Niger reinforces commitment to the security and stability of the region by providing operational support and training resources to partners throughout the Sahel.

AFRICOM, U.S. Embassy Libya Discuss Security Cooperation with Libyan Leaders

Military Leaders from the US and Morocco Strengthen Partnerships at the Marrakech Airshow 2024

United States Delivers Second United Nations Level 2 Hospital to Uganda for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Efforts

AFRICOM Commander Visits Somalia to Strengthen Partnership

AFRICOM Commander Visits Tunisia

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

Morocco Hosts Conference to Enhance African Military Leadership

More than 130 enlisted leaders from the U.S. and 30 African countries convened in Rabat, Morocco, June 10-12, for the 7th Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference.

U.S. and Kenya Conclude Successful 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi

The United States and Kenya successfully concluded the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi, Kenya, uniting senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to strengthen partnerships, advance African-led security solutions, and address critical challenges such as terrorism and regional instability, May 28-29, 2025.

AFRICOM, National Guard Leaders Engage in Strategic Dialogue

U.S. Army Major General Garrick Harmon, Director of Strategy, Plans and Programs, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Major General William Edwards Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, and International Affairs, National Guard Bureau joined leaders from the National Guard units of 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia for a conference to discuss the State Partnership Program on the African continent during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference, on May 27, 2025.

Morocco Hosts Conference to Enhance African Military Leadership

More than 130 enlisted leaders from the U.S. and 30 African countries convened in Rabat, Morocco, June 10-12, for the 7th Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference.

U.S. and Kenya Conclude Successful 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi

AFRICOM, National Guard Leaders Engage in Strategic Dialogue

Morocco Hosts Conference to Enhance African Military Leadership

More than 130 enlisted leaders from the U.S. and 30 African countries convened in Rabat, Morocco, June 10-12, for the 7th Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference.

U.S. and Kenya Conclude Successful 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi

AFRICOM, National Guard Leaders Engage in Strategic Dialogue

United States Africa Command

U.S. donates second C-130 to Niger to support enduring Sahel operations

Niger received the first of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.