The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces to tackle evolving security threats.
In Statement, Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the newly delivered platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced 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 helicopters are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. The two H-125 helicopters were delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.
According to him, the new platforms will increase aircraft availability, expand operational flexibility and improve 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,” Aneke said.
The CAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support for the transformation and modernisation of the NAF.
“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.
“His commitment is enabling us to progressively build the capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges,” he said.
Aneke explained that the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces.
He added that the H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for a broad range of operational requirements, further expanding the Service’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats.
The newly arrived helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly and other technical processes ahead of their formal induction and operational deployment. The processes include technical checks, crew preparation and other requirements necessary to ensure operational readiness.
The CAS stressed that the NAF would focus on ensuring that the significant investment delivers measurable operational benefits.
“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.
According to him, the increased rotary-wing capability would strengthen support for 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 of the five helicopters represents another step in the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to rebuild and modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities. The additional platforms are expected to expand the NAF fleet and provide greater flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability in support of joint military operations and the protection of communities across the country.
