Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of efforts to strengthen its air operations and improve support for ground troops tackling extremist groups and other security threats across the country.
The newly delivered aircraft comprise three AW109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Ejodame said the three AW109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026, as part of 10 aircraft recently acquired by the Federal Government.
He said the remaining seven AW109 Trekker B helicopters were expected to arrive before the end of the year, while the two H125 helicopters had already been delivered.
The latest acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s airpower and improve the operational capacity of the Armed Forces in responding to evolving security challenges.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the delivery as another milestone in the government’s investment in the re-equipment and modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke said the helicopters would increase the availability of operational aircraft and improve the service’s ability to respond to security situations 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 Chief of the Air Staff also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his continued support for the Nigerian Air Force and its modernisation programme.
He said the government’s investment was helping the service develop the capabilities required to carry out its operational responsibilities and respond to the country’s changing security needs.
The NAF said the new platforms would further enhance its ability to conduct air operations and provide support to troops deployed across various parts of the country.