By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo are advancing plans for the delivery, induction and maintenance support of AW109 Trekker B helicopters to strengthen the service’s operational capacity and aircraft availability.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, received an update from Leonardo on the delivery programme, with three helicopters already delivered and five additional aircraft ready for delivery. The remaining two helicopters are expected to arrive before the end of 2026.
The discussions also focused on arrangements for the seamless induction of the helicopters into NAF operations to ensure their effective deployment in support of the service’s operational requirements.
As part of efforts to improve fleet serviceability and sustain long-term operational effectiveness, Leonardo outlined plans to deploy a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) team to Nigeria.
The team is expected to provide technical support for the maintenance of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force, helping to strengthen maintenance capacity and improve aircraft availability.
The proposed support arrangement is also expected to enhance technical expertise, reduce maintenance-related constraints and promote the sustainability of the NAF’s aircraft fleet.
The collaboration forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s operational readiness through timely aircraft deliveries, effective induction processes and improved maintenance support.
With the additional AW109 Trekker B helicopters expected to be delivered before the end of the year, the NAF is working to expand its available fleet while developing the technical support systems required to sustain air operations in furtherance of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
