NAF Receives 5 New Helicopters to Boost Counter-Terrorism, Anti-Banditry Operations
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to tackle evolving security threats.
The newly acquired platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters were received in Lagos on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as part of a batch of 10 helicopters acquired by the Federal Government. The remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier and are now part of the NAF’s expanding rotary-wing fleet.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the Air Force.
Aneke said the additional platforms would increase aircraft availability and enhance the NAF’s ability to provide timely air support across multiple theatres of operation.
He said the arrival of the helicopters would provide greater flexibility in the deployment of airpower in support of ground troops involved in ongoing operations.
According to him, the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint operations with surface forces.
Read Also:
He added that the H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, further expanding the Service’s flexibility and responsiveness.
The Chief of the Air Staff also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the transformation and modernisation of the NAF.
He said the Federal Government’s investment was enabling the Service to progressively build the capabilities required to confront Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Following their arrival, the new helicopters are undergoing post-delivery assembly and other technical processes preparatory to their induction and operational deployment. Crew-readiness and other necessary technical requirements are also being addressed.
Aneke stressed that the NAF would focus on ensuring that the investment translates into measurable operational benefits.
He said the Service would continue to prioritise effective aircraft employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment to ensure that every newly delivered platform contributes meaningfully to ongoing operations and the protection of lives and property.
The CAS further said the increased rotary-wing capability would enhance joint operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry by improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
The latest delivery brings additional capacity to the NAF’s rotary-wing fleet and represents another step in the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to modernise the Armed Forces and improve their ability to respond to Nigeria’s complex security environment.
By PRNigeria
