The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up efforts to modernise the country’s military air fleet and strengthen operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The NAF confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The three AW-109 helicopters, 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-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the delivery as another milestone in the Federal Government’s investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.
According to him, the new helicopters will increase aircraft availability and enhance the Air Force’s ability to respond to security threats across different operational theatres.
He said the AW-109 Trekker B platforms would strengthen capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and joint operations.
The H-125 helicopters, he added, would provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.
The newly delivered aircraft are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness processes ahead of their induction and deployment.
Aneke said the NAF would prioritise effective utilisation, maintenance and logistics support to ensure that every newly acquired aircraft contributes to ongoing operations and the protection of lives and property.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the transformation and modernisation of the Service.
The NAF said the additional rotary-wing capacity would improve air support for joint forces engaged in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while expanding the speed, reach and effectiveness of military air operations nationwide.