NAF Boosts Fleet with Five New Helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ response to emerging security threats across the country.

The newly delivered 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, received in Lagos form part of a batch of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected before the end of 2026. The two H-125 helicopters had arrived earlier.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.

He said “the additional helicopters would improve asset availability and enhance the Service’s ability to support operations across multiple theatres”.

According to the CAS, the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen the NAF’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while also supporting close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue missions, and other joint military operations.

He noted that the H-125 helicopters would provide versatile and responsive support for a wide range of operational requirements.

Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support in the efforts to transform the NAF, noting that the administration’s investments are helping to build the capabilities required to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

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“The arrival of these five helicopters provide greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said, adding that the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen joint efforts against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping while improving the speed and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.

The CAS disclosed that the newly delivered aircraft are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness procedures ahead of their induction into service and operational deployment.

He stressed that the NAF remains committed to ensuring effective utilisation, maintenance and logistics sustainment of the new platforms to maximise their operational impact and contribute meaningfully to the protection of lives and property across the country.

The delivery of the five helicopters represents another major step in the Federal Government’s drive to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces, improve mission readiness and strengthen national security through a more modern and capable air force.