NAF strengthens airpower with five new helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five helicopters as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen its air capabilities and support military operations against terrorism and other security threats.

The new platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ejodame said the three AW-109 helicopters were received in Lagos on September 15, while the two H-125 aircraft had been delivered earlier.

The AW-109s are part of a batch of 10 helicopters acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected to arrive before the end of 2026.

Reacting to the acquisition, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the arrival of the aircraft as an important step in the ongoing modernisation and re-equipment of the Air Force.

According to him, the additional helicopters would give the NAF greater flexibility in providing air support to troops deployed in ongoing operations.

Aneke said the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would expand the service’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue.

He added that the platforms would also strengthen joint operations involving air and ground forces.

The two H-125 helicopters, he said, would provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.

The Air Chief acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu for the NAF’s modernisation programme, saying the investment was helping the service develop capabilities to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

The newly delivered helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly and technical checks ahead of their induction into service.

Aneke said crew-readiness and other operational processes would also be completed before the platforms are deployed.

“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and protection of lives and property of Nigerians,” he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff added that increased rotary-wing capacity would improve the military’s ability to respond to terrorism, kidnapping and banditry by enhancing the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support for ground troops.