By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force has taken a major step towards strengthening its combat and operational capabilities as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, led a high-level Programme Management Review meeting in the United States aimed at fast-tracking the delivery of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters for the Service.
The engagement, which held from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, brought together senior officials of the United States Government and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron, the manufacturers of the aircraft. According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the meeting was part of deliberate efforts by the NAF leadership to ensure the timely delivery of critical platforms required to meet Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters, the statement noted, aligns squarely with the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy of building and sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces in support of national security objectives.
Speaking during the engagement, Air Marshal Aneke expressed deep appreciation to the United States Government and Messrs Bell Textron for their sustained cooperation, professionalism and transparency throughout the execution of the helicopter acquisition programme. He described the structured review as a reflection of the Nigerian Air Force’s renewed emphasis on programme discipline, accountability and measurable results.
“We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” the Chief of the Air Staff said.
He further underscored that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters went beyond the procurement of platforms, describing it as a testament to the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. According to him, the programme reflects a shared responsibility for regional and global security, anchored on mutual trust, shared values and a common vision for peace and stability.
“This partnership speaks to our collective resolve to confront evolving security challenges through collaboration and sustained capability development,” Aneke added.
Reaffirming the sense of urgency attached to the programme, the Air Chief assured the US team of his administration’s resolve to take all necessary measures to ensure that the helicopters are delivered in the shortest possible time. He also charged members of the programme management team to work proactively and innovatively to ensure production is completed on schedule and within approved costs.
“Timelines and standards must be met concurrently. We must remain focused, innovative and solutions-driven,” he stressed.
Air Marshal Aneke also expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force. He noted that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the Service’s combat capability, operational efficiency and mission readiness, thereby strengthening its capacity to deliver decisive airpower in support of national security and stability.
He added that the advanced capabilities of the helicopters would enable the Nigerian Air Force to conduct highly precise operations, minimise collateral damage and provide timely and effective support to ground forces. According to him, this would ultimately translate into the protection of lives and property across communities affected by insecurity.
The Chief of the Air Staff reassured Nigerians of the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to confronting terrorist and criminal threats with professionalism, restraint and accountability, while sustaining public trust and confidence in all NAF operations.
