Nigeria has entered into a new $230 million arms supply agreement with Pakistan after a failed attempt to secure weapons and aircraft from China.
The Defense Industries System (DIS) confirmed the new deal, which includes 30 K-8 trainer/attack aircraft, 40 Shahpar-2 drones, 200 MR-10 drones, and 230 ASV Mohafiz-IV armored vehicles.
Director of the DIS, General Mirghani Idris—who is under U.S. and European sanctions—announced the development after the collapse of the earlier contract signed in August 2025 due to political and technical roadblocks.
The DIS delegation, led by senior military officials including Lieutenant General Magdi Ibrahim and Lieutenant General Mohamed Ali Sabir, met Pakistan’s Defense Production Minister, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, in Islamabad to finalize the new terms.
Sources said China’s refusal to export its HQ-9 and HQ-16 air defense systems, citing its non-engagement policy with conflict-hit or sanctioned countries, forced Nigeria to turn to Pakistan.
Further complications arose when suppliers withheld key MiG-21 components, prompting both sides to restructure the procurement.
Under the revised arrangement, the aircraft and armored vehicles will be shipped via Port Sudan, while the drones will arrive at Wadi Sayyidna Air Base on a staggered schedule.
