The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up efforts to modernize the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen military operations against emerging security threats.
The 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, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026. The remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s investment in the modernization and re-equipment of the Nigerian Air Force.
According to him, the new aircraft will increase the availability of air assets and improve the NAF’s ability to respond to security challenges across different operational theatres.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Aneke said.
The Chief of Air Staff also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained support for the transformation and modernization of the Air Force.
Aneke said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, among other joint operations.
He added that the two H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for various operational requirements.
Following their arrival, the helicopters are undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness processes ahead of their formal induction and deployment.
Aneke stressed that the NAF would focus on ensuring that the new platforms translate into tangible operational benefits.
“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians,” he said.
According to the Air Force, the additional rotary-wing capacity is expected to strengthen support for joint military operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed and reach of aerial support to troops on the ground.
The delivery represents another phase of the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to expand and modernise the NAF fleet and enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
The new helicopters are expected to provide additional flexibility and responsiveness in support of joint operations and security efforts across the country.
The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, on September 15, 2026.
