The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of an additional boost to its air combat capabilities following the successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Vergiate, Italy.
The acceptance exercise, conducted between June 29 and July 3, 2026, by a joint delegation from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence, marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing drive to modernise the Air Force fleet and strengthen the country’s response to terrorism, insurgency and other security threats.
According to the NAF, the exercise involved comprehensive technical inspections and flight evaluations to ensure that the helicopters fully met contractual specifications and operational requirements before their delivery to Nigeria.
The Air Force said the successful acceptance demonstrated steady progress under its fleet modernisation programme and reaffirmed its commitment to inducting only reliable, mission-ready aircraft capable of supporting military operations across the country.
Upon delivery and induction into service, the three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the NAF’s operational capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort missions, combat search and rescue, as well as joint operations with ground forces.
The aircraft are also expected to improve the Air Force’s operational reach, response time and 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, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the acquisition reflects the Service’s determination to build a technologically advanced and mission-ready force capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
“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 effects in synergy with surface forces, deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security across our nation,” Aneke said.
He reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of effectively supporting national security objectives and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
The NAF also attributed the achievement to the continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the military.
The Air Force assured Nigerians that it would continue to modernise its fleet and leverage air power alongside other security agencies to combat terrorism, insurgency and banditry, while contributing to the restoration of peace, national stability and economic development.
