By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday announced that it has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of efforts to modernize the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the military’s capacity to respond to emerging security threats.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who said the platforms comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Ejodame quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as saying.
According to the statement, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, which form part of 10 recently acquired by the Nigerian Government, were received in Lagos on Tuesday, while the remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
Aneke described the acquisition as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernization and re-equipment of the Nigerian Air Force, saying the new platforms would increase asset availability and enhance the Service’s responsiveness across multiple theatres.
The Chief of the Air Staff also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his sustained confidence in and commitment to the Nigerian Air Force.
“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 modernization 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.
According to the NAF, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen its capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces.
The two H-125 helicopters, meanwhile, are expected to provide versatile and responsive light helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, collectively expanding the Service’s flexibility and capacity to respond to evolving operational demands.
Following their arrival, the new helicopters are undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalization, including the required technical and crew-readiness processes.
Aneke said the NAF would ensure that the latest acquisition translates into tangible operational benefits, with emphasis on effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment.
“We will continue to prioritize 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 stated.
He added that the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support to joint forces engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
The delivery brings additional rotary-wing assets into the NAF fleet at a time the Service is pursuing broader efforts to modernize its platforms and expand its operational capacity.
The new helicopters are expected to provide additional flexibility and responsiveness in joint operations, while strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s ability to support ground forces and respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
