NAF Gets Five New Helicopters to Boost Security Operations

The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters in a move aimed at strengthening its ability to support ground troops against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters from Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters make up the latest batch. The three AW-109s arrived in Lagos on Tuesday as part of a 10-aircraft order, with the remaining seven expected before the end of the year. The two H-125s had arrived earlier.

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Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke called the delivery “another significant milestone” in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise the air force. He said the new aircraft would improve fleet availability and give commanders more flexibility in supporting ongoing operations across multiple 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 AW-109 Trekker B platforms are expected to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue missions. The lighter H-125s will handle a wider range of utility and support tasks. Both types are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew preparation before entering service.

Aneke thanked President Bola Tinubu for sustained investment in the service. “His commitment is enabling us to progressively build the capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges,” he said.

The acquisition forms part of a broader modernisation programme. Factory acceptance tests for the latest AW-109s were completed in Italy earlier this year, and the air force has been steadily expanding its rotary-wing fleet to improve responsiveness against insecurity.

Officials stressed that the focus will remain on effective employment, maintenance and logistics so the new aircraft deliver measurable results on the ground.

The increased helicopter capacity is expected to improve the speed and reach of air support for joint operations, helping protect communities and reinforce efforts to restore security across the country.