NAF Completes Acceptance Test on Three Additional AW109 Trekker Helicopters in Italy
NAF Completes Acceptance Test on Three Additional AW109 Trekker Helicopters in Italy
NAF Completes Acceptance Test on Three Additional AW109 Trekker Helicopters in Italy
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) on an additional batch of three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Vergiate, Italy.
The acceptance exercise, conducted between 29 June and 3 July 2026, involved a joint delegation comprising representatives of the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Ministry of Defence.
According to the NAF, the successful exercise reflects the Federal Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s air power capability and enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces to address evolving security challenges across the country.
During the exercise, the Nigerian delegation carried out comprehensive technical inspections and flight evaluations to ensure the helicopters met all contractual specifications and operational requirements ahead of their delivery to Nigeria.
The Air Force stated that the successful acceptance further demonstrates steady progress in its fleet modernisation programme and reinforces its commitment to inducting only reliable and mission-ready aircraft into service.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, the AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the NAF’s operational capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, close air support, armed escort operations, combat search and rescue, as well as joint operations in support of ground forces.
The helicopters are also expected to improve the Service’s operational reach, rapid response capability and overall mission effectiveness in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across various theatres nationwide.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the successful acceptance as another important milestone in strengthening the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force.
“The dynamic nature of contemporary security threats demands agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities. The successful acceptance of these additional helicopters marks another important step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver decisive air power in synergy with surface forces, deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security across our nation,” he said.
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of effectively supporting national security objectives and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
The Air Force noted that the acquisition also reflects the continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the military in confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.
As the Nigerian Air Force continues to modernise its fleet and expand its operational capacity, it assured Nigerians of its resolve to work closely with sister services and other security agencies to restore peace, safeguard national unity and create a secure environment for national development.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, disclosed the development in a statement issued on 10 July 2026.
NAF Completes Acceptance Test on Three Additional AW109 Trekker Helicopters in Italy
