Nigerian Air Force Takes Delivery of Five New Helicopters to Boost Air Operations
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the nation’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ response to evolving security challenges.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy, and two H-125 helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026. The remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. The two H-125 helicopters were delivered earlier.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.
He said the new platforms would increase aircraft availability and enhance the Service’s responsiveness across multiple operational theatres.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” the CAS said.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support and commitment to the transformation of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the Federal Government’s investment was enabling the NAF to progressively build the capabilities required to fulfil its operational responsibilities and respond to Nigeria’s changing security environment.
According to the CAS, the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen 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 capacity.
Following their arrival, the new helicopters are undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalisation. The process includes necessary technical checks and crew-readiness preparations.
Aneke stressed that the NAF would ensure the new investment translates into tangible operational capabilities.
“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.
He added that the increased rotary-wing capability would enhance support to joint forces engaged in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
The delivery represents another step in the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
With the additional platforms, the NAF is expected to have greater flexibility and responsiveness in providing air support for joint operations and other missions aimed at protecting communities and enhancing national security.
Nigerian Air Force Takes Delivery of Five New Helicopters to Boost Air Operations