Nigeria moves to acquire 12 US-made attack helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force has advanced plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States following a beam signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas.

The ceremony, led by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, marked a major step in the implementation of the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme.

The acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to security threats.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the programme was expected to improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian military.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke described the acquisition as an important milestone in efforts to build a more capable and mission-ready Air Force.

“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force,” he said.

Aneke said the programme was consistent with his command philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering airpower effects in coordination with ground forces.

He stressed the need to ensure that the capabilities being acquired translated into improved operational effectiveness and contributed to national security objectives.

The Air Chief also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support for the military modernisation programme, as well as the cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.

“Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme,” Aneke said.

During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.

The latest development comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force received five new helicopters as part of efforts to expand and modernise its airpower fleet.

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

The NAF said the latest acquisition efforts were aimed at strengthening the Armed Forces’ capacity to conduct operations and respond more effectively to security challenges across the country.