The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another milestone in its fleet modernisation programme following the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for an additional three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at Leonardo Helicopters’ facility in Vergiate, Italy.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acceptance exercise was conducted from June 29 to July 3, 2026, by a delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence. The exercise, he said, reflects the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s air power capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces to address evolving security challenges.
The statement explained that the Nigerian delegation carried out comprehensive inspections and flight evaluations to confirm that the helicopters met all contractual specifications and operational requirements ahead of their delivery to Nigeria. It added that the successful exercise demonstrates steady progress under the NAF’s fleet modernisation programme and underscores the Service’s resolve to induct only reliable and mission-ready platforms capable of delivering effective air power across the full spectrum of military operations.
Upon their induction into the NAF inventory, the AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters are expected to significantly boost the Service’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while enhancing close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint air operations in support of ground forces. The platforms are also expected to improve operational reach, responsiveness and mission effectiveness in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the acquisition aligns with the evolving security environment and the need for agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities.
“The dynamic nature of contemporary security threats demands agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities. The successful acceptance of these additional helicopters marks another important step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces, deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security across our nation,” he said.
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of effectively supporting national security objectives and protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
The statement further noted that the successful acceptance of the helicopters reflects the continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces to tackle the country’s security challenges.
It added that as the Nigerian Air Force continues to modernise its fleet and expand its operational capacity, it remains committed to leveraging air power alongside sister services and other security agencies to restore peace, safeguard national unity and create a secure environment for national development and economic prosperity.
