NAF completes local reassembly of first two H125 helicopters in Lagos
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completed the local reassembly of its first two H125 helicopters at NAF Base Ikeja, Lagos, following their delivery by Airbus.
The exercise, conducted with the support of Airbus technical personnel, is expected to strengthen technical collaboration between the NAF and the European aerospace manufacturer while facilitating knowledge transfer and enhancing the practical skills of Nigerian Air Force personnel.
The local reassembly also provides NAF technicians with hands-on exposure to the maintenance and support requirements of modern rotary-wing aircraft, an important component of efforts to build indigenous technical capacity and improve fleet sustainability.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the achievement as a positive step towards strengthening the Service’s technical and operational capabilities.
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Aneke said the acquisition of modern aircraft must be matched by the development of the technical expertise, partnerships and support infrastructure required to maximise their operational value throughout their service life.
“Beyond acquiring modern platforms, we are committed to developing the knowledge, partnerships and support systems required to maximise their operational value and sustain them throughout their service life,” he said.
The H125 helicopters are expected to provide additional capabilities for ongoing NAF operations, including surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational support missions.
The NAF said the development was also in line with broader efforts to enhance fleet modernisation, operational readiness and technical self-reliance through strategic partnerships and technology transfer.
The Service acknowledged the continued support and strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, noting that the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security capabilities had contributed to ongoing efforts to modernise the NAF fleet and improve operational effectiveness.
By PRNigeria
