Defense Express
While Russians were promising to deliver the last of delayed Mi-35 attack helicopters, Nigeria made a pivot toward procurement of Prachand from India
Products of Russian military industry have become so toxic that the Kremlin is not only losing traditional defense customers but also some of the niche markets it dominated for decades.
The latest example is Nigeria, which, despite having an active contract for twelve Mi-35 attack helicopters — a deal Russia claims is "partially fulfilled" but Nigerian officials describe as delayed — is now turning to another supplier: India.
According to reports by Defence, an Indian news portal, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defense has opted for Indian-made helicopters, specifically choosing to purchase four LCH Prachand light attack helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). While the value of the deal remains undisclosed, it is noted that the sale is facilitated through extensive lending agreements.
For HAL and India, this marks the first export of attack helicopters. Domestically, however, the Prachand has proven popular, with India’s armed forces ordering 165 units since 2016.
Interestingly, Nigeria originally sought to acquire twelve helicopters, exactly matching its contract with Russia for Mi-35s. Moreover, in 2023, Nigeria ordered six T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, making its choice of the LCH Prachand particularly noteworthy.
India began developing the Prachand in 2006, using the Dhruv utility helicopter as a base, which itself first flew in 1992. Revamped beyond recognition, the attack version took to the skies in 2010 and entered mass production in 2017.
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