The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ response to terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehinmen Ejodame, said the three AW-109 helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026.
The statement said the three aircraft were part of 10 AW-109 Trekker B helicopters recently acquired by the Federal Government, adding that the remaining seven were expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.
“The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government accelerates efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges,” the statement said.
It added that the two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the acquisition as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke said the new platforms would increase aircraft availability and improve the service’s responsiveness across multiple theatres of operation.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said.
According to the CAS, the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, among other joint operations.
He added that the H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements.
Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for the modernisation and transformation of the service.
“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,” he said.
“His commitment is enabling us to progressively build the capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges.”
The NAF said the newly delivered helicopters were undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their formal induction and operationalisation.
It said the process would include technical checks and crew-readiness procedures to ensure that the aircraft were fully prepared for deployment.
Aneke said the service would also prioritise the effective maintenance and logistical sustainment of the new platforms to maximise their operational value.
“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.
The Chief of the Air Staff further said the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support for joint forces conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The NAF said the acquisition was expected to improve the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground while enhancing the service’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges across the country.
