Di Nigerian Air Force don collect five fresh helicopters as part of effort to boost air operations against extremist groups and make dem quick to respond to new security threats across di country. Di delivery, according to NAF, follow federal government sustained push to accelerate modernisation of Nigeria airpower and strengthen Armed Forces capacity to handle contemporary security challenges.
Di Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, talk say di newly delivered platforms na three AW109 Trekker B helicopters wey Leonardo Helicopters of Italy manufacture, plus two H125 helicopters wey Airbus Helicopters manufacture. He explain say di three AW109 Trekker B helicopters, wey form part of 10 wey federal government recently acquire, land for Lagos on 15 September 2026. Di remaining seven expected before end of 2026, while di two H125 helicopters don deliver earlier.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, call di acquisition ‘another significant milestone in di federal government sustained investment in di modernisation and re-equipment of di NAF.’ He note say di new platforms go increase asset availability and boost di Service responsiveness across multiple theatres. ‘Di arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in di employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,’ he stated.
Di CAS also send thank you to President and Commander-in-Chief of di Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for him sustained confidence in and commitment to di NAF. ‘On behalf of di officers, airmen and airwomen of di Nigerian Air Force, I express our profound appreciation to Mr President for him sustained support for di transformation and modernisation of di Service,’ he talk. ‘Him commitment dey enable us to progressively build di capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront di nation evolving security challenges.’
For another development, Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, host delegation from Nigeria to mark di start of production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. Dem build di helicopters as part of Foreign Military Sales program wey Department of War approve in 2024. Di delegates tour Bell Amarillo production facility for Texas to observe production line and ceremoniously sign di aircraft frame wey go join Nigerian Air Force.
Scott Sims, H-1 program director for Bell, talk say, ‘We are honored to host di Nigerian Air Force and share dis milestone in production for di AH-1Z.’ He add, ‘Di beam of di first production Viper for Nigeria go forever carry di names, hopes, and commitment of those who brought dis aircraft to life.’
Bell describe di AH-1Z Viper as aircraft wey deliver unmatched multi-mission flexibility while employing both precision guided weapons and unguided munitions. E meet modern battlefield expeditionary requirements across di full spectrum of military operations. Di Viper routinely maintain high operational tempo from forward operating facilities by minimizing its logistical footprint without losing warfighting capabilities.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, talk say di Bell AH-1Z Viper go play important role in strengthening counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations and enhancing ability to protect citizens of Nigeria. ‘We are pleased with di Viper advanced capabilities and interoperability and look forward to its induction as a key platform in our attack helicopter fleet,’ he talk.
Department of War award Bell contract to manufacture and deliver 12 AH-1Z Viper aircraft to Nigeria from its Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas. Along with di aircraft, Bell go also provide associated engineering, program management, and logistics support. Bell project say aircraft production go complete early 2029. Sims also talk say, ‘Today also signifies di dedication of thousands of Bell and Team Viper employees around di world who are proud to support dis important international partner.’
