The Nigerian Air Force has expanded its operational fleet with the arrival of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up efforts to modernise the country’s military aviation capabilities.
The newly delivered platforms are expected to strengthen the service’s ability to provide air support to troops involved in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters produced by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehinmen Ejodame, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026.
The aircraft are part of a batch of 10 AW-109 helicopters acquired by the Federal Government.
NAF said the remaining seven helicopters are expected to arrive before the end of 2026.
The two H-125 helicopters included in the latest delivery had already been received earlier.
The service described the acquisition as part of the Federal Government’s broader programme to strengthen Nigeria’s airpower and improve the Armed Forces’ ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the latest acquisition as an important development in the Federal Government’s ongoing investment in the re-equipment and modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke said the arrival of the helicopters would increase aircraft availability and give commanders greater flexibility in supporting operations across different theatres.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said.
The additional rotary-wing assets are expected to improve the ability of the NAF to respond quickly to operational demands and provide support to troops deployed in difficult terrain.
Aneke said the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would provide the NAF with enhanced capabilities across several areas of military operations.
These include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue.
The helicopters will also be available for other joint operations involving the military and security agencies.
Their deployment is expected to provide commanders with greater flexibility when conducting missions that require rapid aerial surveillance, troop support and tactical response.
The two H-125 helicopters will provide additional light helicopter capability for a range of operational requirements.
According to the NAF, the platforms are versatile and can be adapted to different missions depending on operational needs.
The combination of the AW-109 and H-125 helicopters is expected to increase the service’s rotary-wing capacity and complement other aircraft already being used in ongoing security operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the continued modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke said the Federal Government’s investment was helping the service develop the capabilities required to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security situation.
“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,” he said.
He added that the support would enable the NAF to progressively improve its capacity to meet its operational responsibilities.
The newly delivered helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly and other preparations before being formally inducted into service.
The process includes technical checks and crew-readiness activities to ensure that the aircraft are properly prepared for operational deployment.
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Aneke said the NAF would also focus on maintenance and logistics to ensure that the aircraft remain available for missions after their induction.
“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.
The NAF said the additional helicopters would strengthen air support for joint forces engaged in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The increased rotary-wing capacity is expected to improve the speed and reach of aerial assistance to troops operating in different parts of the country.
The acquisition forms part of wider efforts by the Federal Government to equip the Armed Forces with modern platforms capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
