The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen military operations against evolving security threats.
The newly acquired aircraft consist of three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters. The AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are among 10 procured by the Federal Government, with the first three arriving in Lagos on September 15, 2026. The remaining seven are expected before the end of the year, while the two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s continued investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the Nigerian Air Force. He said the additional helicopters would boost the availability of operational platforms and enhance the military’s ability to respond to security challenges across the country.
According to Aneke, the arrival of the helicopters would provide greater flexibility in the deployment of airpower to support troops engaged in ongoing military operations. He noted that the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, close air support, armed escort operations, and combat search-and-rescue activities. The aircraft will also be used in joint operations alongside other branches of the Armed Forces.
He added that the H-125 helicopters would serve as versatile light-helicopter platforms capable of supporting a variety of operational tasks, further expanding the Nigerian Air Force’s operational reach and flexibility.
The Air Chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support toward the transformation and modernisation of the Air Force. He said the Federal Government’s sustained investment was enabling the service to develop the capabilities required to tackle Nigeria’s changing security environment.
Following their arrival, the helicopters are undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical preparations and crew-readiness procedures ahead of their formal induction into service and operational deployment.
Aneke assured that the Nigerian Air Force would prioritise effective deployment, maintenance and logistics support to ensure the aircraft deliver maximum operational value. He said the additional rotary-wing assets would enhance support for troops involved in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support missions.
The delivery of the five helicopters marks another step in the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand and modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities. The aircraft are expected to improve the Nigerian Air Force’s operational flexibility, responsiveness and capacity to support joint security operations across the country while enhancing the protection of lives and property.
