President Bola Tinubu is expected to induct five newly acquired helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen the military’s airpower capabilities and improve its response to security threats across the country.
The aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The induction ceremony is also expected to feature the commissioning of newly constructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to reports published on Thursday by PUNCH, Channels Television and the Guardian, Tinubu is scheduled to attend the ceremony as the special guest of honour, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, will host the event.
The development marks another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the country’s military aviation assets and improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces amid persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Three AW-109 helicopters arrive in September
The Nigerian Air Force had taken delivery of the five helicopters in September as part of the government’s programme to expand its rotary-wing fleet.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the two Airbus H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
According to the NAF, the three AW-109 aircraft form part of a larger order of 10 helicopters, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.
In a statement announcing the acquisition, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the additional aircraft would strengthen the Service’s operational capacity and improve its ability to support military operations across multiple theatres.
The Chief of the Air Staff described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the government’s investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the Air Force.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Aneke said.
He added that the new platforms would increase aircraft availability and improve the Service’s responsiveness to evolving operational requirements.
Helicopters to support intelligence, surveillance
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are expected to strengthen the Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while supporting close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue missions.
The aircraft will also support joint military operations, providing additional aviation capacity for troops engaged in counterterrorism and other security operations.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters, meanwhile, are designed to provide versatile light-helicopter support for a range of operational assignments.
The combination of the two helicopter types is expected to give military commanders greater flexibility in deploying air assets according to operational needs.
The expanded fleet is also expected to improve the speed and reach of air support available to troops operating in difficult terrain and areas affected by insecurity.
Tinubu’s support for military modernisation
The acquisition forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to equip the Armed Forces with modern platforms and improve their capacity to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Aneke had expressed appreciation to the President for his support for the transformation of the Nigerian Air Force, saying the investment would help the Service address the country’s changing security requirements.
“On behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I express our profound appreciation to Mr President for his sustained support for the transformation and modernisation of the Service,” the air chief said.
He added that the government’s investment was helping the Air Force develop the capabilities required to fulfil its operational responsibilities.
The NAF had also emphasised the need to ensure that the new aircraft were properly maintained and supported by adequate logistics arrangements to maximise their operational value.
According to the Service, the effectiveness of the acquisition would depend not only on the number of aircraft delivered but also on their availability, maintenance and efficient deployment during operations.
Hangar reconstruction to support aviation operations
The planned induction ceremony will coincide with the commissioning of newly constructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility in Abuja.
The facilities are expected to provide additional accommodation and maintenance infrastructure for aircraft operating from the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The development highlights the importance of supporting infrastructure in sustaining military aviation operations, particularly as the Air Force expands its fleet and increases its operational commitments.
The five helicopters are expected to strengthen the NAF’s ability to provide air support to ground troops, improve operational flexibility and contribute to ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Their induction also underscores the Federal Government’s continuing investment in military equipment as part of its broader strategy to strengthen national security and safeguard lives and property across the country.
