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.

U.S. transfers C-130 aircraft to Nigerien partners

Africa Leaders Summit

Austin: listening to African partners critical to development of productive relationships 

Leaders engage in Niger to better security, cooperation efforts

USAFE-AFAFRICA commander visits Niger, Africa

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

African Lion 23 Begins

18 nations and approximately 8,000 personnel will participate in African Lion 2023, U.S. Africa Command's largest annual combined, joint exercise that will take place in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia from May 13-June 18, 2023.

US, IVORIAN ARMIES HOST AFRICAN LAND FORCES SUMMIT IN ABIDJAN

Senior military leaders from African nations, as well as the U.S. and some European nations, meet to build relationships, exchange information on current topics of mutual interest and encourage cooperation in addressing challenges, May 8-12 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire during the African Land Forces Summit. The theme for this year’s summit is “Addressing security challenges through civil-military partnerships.”

Flintlock 2023 opens with ceremonies across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire

Participants from 29 countries kicked off the command post and field training portion of Exercise Flintlock 2023 with opening ceremonies at four sites across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire on March 7, 2023.

African Lion 23 Begins

US, IVORIAN ARMIES HOST AFRICAN LAND FORCES SUMMIT IN ABIDJAN

Flintlock 2023 opens with ceremonies across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire

African Lion 23 Begins

US, IVORIAN ARMIES HOST AFRICAN LAND FORCES SUMMIT IN ABIDJAN

Flintlock 2023 opens with ceremonies across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire

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.