The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded more than 6,100 flying hours and 2,900 sorties between November 2025 and September 2026, as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, approaches his first anniversary in office on October 30.
The operational milestones reflect the Service’s efforts to strengthen airpower, improve mission effectiveness and support surface forces in ongoing military operations across the country.
Under Aneke’s leadership, the NAF has sustained precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, close air support and other intelligence-led missions aimed at degrading hostile elements, disrupting their activities and enhancing the effectiveness of ground operations. The missions consumed close to 10 million litres of Jet A-1 aviation fuel.
The Service said its operational approach was guided by the CAS’s command philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces.
Beyond operational achievements, the NAF has prioritised personnel welfare under the principle of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” with interventions covering allowances, medical support, accommodation, infrastructure and the restoration of welfare airlift services for personnel deployed in frontline theatres.
Career development has also received attention, with 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers promoted during the period. More than 550 personnel participated in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 others received local training.
In the area of force modernisation, the NAF took delivery of five helicopters in September 2026, comprising three AW-109 Trekker Type B and two H125 helicopters.
Plans are also ongoing for the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, alongside other aircraft and unmanned aerial systems to strengthen the Service’s operational capabilities.
The Air Force has equally advanced the reactivation and upgrade of six L-39ZA aircraft in Slovakia and Nigeria, while Periodic Depot Maintenance of a C-130 aircraft continues in Portugal.
To strengthen aviation safety and accountability, the Service has established an Operational and Safety Audit Committee, reinforced its Safety Management System and developed Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response structures. It has also pursued standardised training and improved assessment and investigation capabilities.
On infrastructure, the NAF has approved 284 projects, with 145 completed and 139 ongoing. The projects cover accommodation, academic and medical facilities, operational and administrative infrastructure, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational facilities.
The Service has also continued to pursue indigenous defence production to reduce reliance on foreign supplies and strengthen local technical capacity.
Among the initiatives are the production of Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges and a 250-kilogram bomb-loading trolley, while locally produced 57-millimetre rockets are undergoing development and ground testing.
In addition, community healthcare, educational interventions and other special projects have been implemented to strengthen civil-military relations and improve public confidence in the Service.
As Aneke marks his first year as Chief of the Air Staff, the NAF said its focus remains on translating investments in personnel, aircraft, training, technology and infrastructure into measurable operational outcomes.
The Service is also pursuing stronger joint operations, strategic partnerships, improved aircraft maintenance and responsible airpower employment as part of efforts to build a professional, accountable and responsive force.
It reaffirmed its commitment to delivering stronger airpower, safer skies and a more secure Nigeria.
