The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen military operations against security threats. The NAF disclosed this in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame,……
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen military operations against security threats.
The NAF disclosed this in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The three AW-109 helicopters, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, arrived in Lagos on September 15, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.
The two H-125 helicopters were delivered earlier, the NAF said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as “another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.”
Aneke said the new platforms would increase the availability of aircraft and improve the Air Force’s ability to respond to security challenges across different operational theatres.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said.
The Chief of Air Staff also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the modernisation of the Air Force.
“On behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I express our profound appreciation to Mr President for his sustained support for the transformation and modernisation of the Service,” he said.
He said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, as well as joint operations.
The two H-125 helicopters, according to the statement, would provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.
The NAF said the newly delivered helicopters were undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and deployment, including technical and crew-readiness processes.
Aneke said the Service would focus on ensuring that the new platforms translate into improved operational capacity.
“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the additional rotary-wing capacity would enhance support for joint forces conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The NAF said the acquisition was part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to expand and modernise the country’s military air fleet while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
