NAF Strengthens Air Fleet with 3 New Trekker Helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for an additional three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters in Italy, marking another milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and national security capabilities.
The acceptance exercise, conducted between June 29 and July 3, 2026, at the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Vergiate, Italy, was carried out by a joint delegation comprising officials from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence.
According to the NAF, the comprehensive inspection and flight evaluation confirmed that the helicopters met all contractual specifications and operational requirements ahead of their delivery to Nigeria.
The Service described the successful acceptance as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s air power capabilities and improving the operational readiness of the Armed Forces to effectively tackle evolving security threats.
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Upon arrival and induction into the NAF inventory, the AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters are expected to strengthen the Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, close air support operations, armed escort missions, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint military operations in support of ground forces across various theatres of operation.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the changing nature of contemporary security threats requires agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air platforms capable of delivering effective operational outcomes.
He noted that the acquisition of the additional helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s ability to provide decisive air power in coordination with surface forces, deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, and further strengthen national security.
Air Marshal Aneke also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support towards enhancing the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces through sustained investment in modern military platforms.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to modernising its fleet and expanding its operational capabilities, assuring Nigerians that it remains focused on restoring peace, protecting the nation’s territorial integrity, and creating a secure environment conducive to national development and economic growth.
By PRNigeria
