CAS Leads NAF Delegation to US as Nigeria Advances Acquisition of 12 Attack Helicopters
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States, for the beam signing ceremony marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
The ceremony, held as part of the Nigeria–United States Government defence cooperation programme, represents a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s airpower capabilities.
Speaking at the event, Aneke said the acquisition reflected the strategic vision of the Federal Government to enhance Nigeria’s defence and security architecture while equipping the Armed Forces with capabilities to respond effectively to current and emerging security threats.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his strategic leadership and continued support for the modernisation of Nigeria’s defence and security institutions.
“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force,” the CAS said.
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Aneke stated that the programme aligned with his command philosophy of developing and sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
He emphasised the importance of translating the capabilities being acquired into enhanced operational effectiveness and tangible support for national security operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff also acknowledged the continued cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.
He stressed that sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remained essential to the successful implementation of the acquisition programme.
The CAS further reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships, promoting professional excellence and building modern airpower capabilities in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The milestone underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military aviation capabilities through international defence partnerships and the acquisition of advanced platforms.
The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, on September 21, 2026.
By PRNigeria
