Five new helicopters have been delivered to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and bolster the Armed Forces’ ability to combat the nation’s changing security threats.
The newly delivered platforms include three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters built by Leonardo Helicopters in Italy and two H-125 helicopters built by Airbus Helicopters, providing additional rotary-wing capacity to the NAF fleet.
The newly delivered platforms include three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters built by Leonardo Helicopters in Italy and two H-125 helicopters built by Airbus Helicopters, which will add rotary-wing capacity to the NAF fleet.
Three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters in Italy and two H-125 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, which will increase the NAF fleet’s rotary-wing capability, are among the recently delivered platforms.
The newly delivered platforms include three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters built by Leonardo Helicopters in Italy and two H-125 helicopters built by Airbus Helicopters, adding rotary-wing capability to the NAF fleet.
He said the new platforms would increase aircraft availability, improve operational flexibility and strengthen 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,” the Air Chief said.
Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for what he described as sustained confidence in and commitment to the transformation and modernisation of the Nigerian 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.
According to the Air Chief, the support has enabled the NAF to progressively build the capabilities required to meet its operational responsibilities and respond to Nigeria’s changing security environment.
He explained that the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces.
The H-125 helicopters, he added, would provide versatile light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, further expanding the Service’s flexibility and ability to respond rapidly to emerging demands.
Following their arrival, the newly delivered helicopters are undergoing post-delivery assembly and other technical processes ahead of their induction and operational deployment.The processes include necessary technical checks and crew-readiness activities designed to ensure that the platforms are fully prepared for service.
Aneke stressed that the delivery of the helicopters must ultimately translate into tangible operational benefits for Nigerians.“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.
The Chief of the Air Staff noted that the additional rotary-wing capacity would strengthen joint-force operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops operating on the ground.
The delivery brings another significant boost to the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities.
Beyond expanding the NAF’s helicopter fleet, the new platforms are expected to enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability, providing additional capacity for air support to joint operations and contributing to the protection of communities and national security.
With seven more AW-109 Trekker B helicopters expected before the end of 2026, the latest acquisition also signals a continuing expansion of Nigeria’s rotary-wing capability as the Armed Forces intensify operations against multiple security threats across the country.
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