NAF Signs Beam for 12 US-Made Viper Attack Helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a significant step towards acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters following a beam signing ceremony at Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States.
A statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, on Monday.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who led a NAF delegation to the facility for the ceremony marked a milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria–United States Government defence cooperation programme.
The acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s defence and security capabilities against current and emerging threats.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic leadership and support for strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
He said the acquisition reflected the government’s commitment to improving the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and ensuring that the NAF remained capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
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“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.
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 coordination with surface forces.
He emphasised the need to ensure that the capabilities being acquired translated into enhanced operational effectiveness in support of national security objectives.
The Chief of the Air Staff also acknowledged the support and 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 were essential to the successful implementation of the programme.
Aneke further reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and promoting professional excellence.
During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
By PRNigeria
