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 security threats.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
A statement on Tuesday by the NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehinmen Ejodame, said the three AW-109s, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, while the remaining seven are 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 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-109s, which form part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on 15 September 2026. With the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026. The two H-125s had been delivered earlier”, the statement partly read.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday 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 platforms would increase the availability of aircraft and enhance the NAF’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.
The CAS said 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 various operational requirements.
Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the modernisation 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.
“His commitment is enabling us to progressively build the capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges,” he said.
The NAF said the newly delivered helicopters were undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalisation, including technical and crew-readiness processes.
Aneke said the service would ensure that the new platforms were effectively maintained and deployed to support ongoing operations.
“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 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.
