Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is sustainably positioning itself to broaden air defense capabilities.
The Air Force has just taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government accelerates efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. The three AW-109s, which form part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on 15 September 2026, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026. The two H-125s had been delivered earlier.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as “another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF”, noting that the new platforms would increase asset availability and enhance 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,” he stated.
The CAS expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained confidence in and commitment to 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.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance NAF capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces. He added that the two H-125 helicopters would provide versatile and responsive light helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, collectively expanding the Service’s flexibility and capacity to respond to evolving operational demands.
Following their arrival, the new platforms are undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalisation, including the necessary technical and crew-readiness processes. The CAS stressed that the NAF’s responsibility is to ensure that the investment translates into tangible operational effects. “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 stated. He added that the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support to joint forces in countering terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to forces on the ground.
The delivery of the five helicopters marks another major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. Beyond expanding the NAF fleet, the new platforms are expected to enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability, providing additional capacity to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of joint operations, protect communities and contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.