By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its operational and combat capabilities with the delivery of five new helicopters by the Federal Government as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s airpower and enhance the Armed Forces’ response to security threats.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the new platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, while the remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.
Aneke said the new helicopters would increase asset availability and provide greater flexibility in the deployment of airpower in support of troops conducting operations across the country.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” the CAS said.
He explained that the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces.
According to him, the two H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, further expanding the Service’s flexibility and responsiveness.
The CAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the transformation and modernisation of the NAF, noting that the Federal Government’s investment was enabling the Service to build capabilities required to confront evolving security challenges.
“His commitment is enabling us to progressively build the capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges,” Aneke said.
Following their arrival, the newly delivered platforms are undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of induction and operationalisation, with technical and crew-readiness processes also being undertaken.
Aneke said the NAF would prioritise the effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment of the helicopters to ensure that the investment delivers measurable operational benefits.
“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the increased rotary-wing capability would strengthen support for joint forces engaged in countering terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
The NAF said the delivery marked another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
The new platforms are expected to expand the NAF’s ability to conduct diverse missions, support joint operations and respond more effectively to evolving security threats across the country.
