Abuja: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government accelerates efforts to modernise airpower capabilities. The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ejodame revealed that the platforms comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters, Italy, and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. The three AW-109s, part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, arrived in Lagos on September 15, with the remaining seven expected before the end of 2026. The two H-125s had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in modernisation and re-equipment of NAF. Aneke highlighted that the new platforms would increase asset availability and enhance the Service’s responsiveness across multiple 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.
Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support for the transformation and modernisation of the Service. “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,” he stated. Aneke emphasized that President Tinubu’s commitment enables the NAF to progressively build the capabilities required to meet operational responsibilities and confront evolving security challenges in the nation.
The CAS outlined that the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance NAF capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as joint operations in support of surface forces. Meanwhile, the two H-125 helicopters would provide versatile and responsive light helicopter support for a range of operational requirements. The platforms are undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of induction and operationalisation, including technical and crew-readiness processes.
Aneke assured that the NAF would continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance, and logistics sustainment to ensure every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and protection of lives and property of Nigerians. He added that the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support to joint forces in countering terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, while improving the speed, reach, and effectiveness of air support to ground forces.