Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s airpower and strengthen the military’s capacity to tackle emerging 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 three AW-109s were received in Lagos on September 15, 2026, while the two H-125s had earlier been delivered to the Service.
The three AW-109 Trekker Bs are part of 10 helicopters recently acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected to arrive before the end of the year.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant step in the ongoing re-equipment and modernisation of the NAF, saying the additional platforms would improve aircraft availability and enhance the Service’s ability to respond to security challenges across multiple theatres.
According to him, the AW-109 helicopters would expand the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, while also providing additional support for joint operations involving ground forces.
He said the H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for various operational requirements, adding that the combined capabilities of the new platforms would give the Service greater flexibility and responsiveness in the employment of airpower.
The new helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly and other technical processes ahead of their formal induction and operational deployment. The NAF is also undertaking crew-readiness and other necessary procedures to ensure the platforms are fully prepared for service.
Aneke said the Service would prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics support to ensure that the Federal Government’s investment produces measurable operational results.
He added that the increased rotary-wing capability would strengthen air support to joint forces conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of military responses on the ground.
The latest acquisition brings additional rotary-wing capacity to the NAF at a time when the Armed Forces are intensifying operations against security threats across the country, with the platforms expected to contribute to the protection of lives and property and the overall strengthening of Nigeria’s national security architecture.