The Nigerian Airforce ( NAF ) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government accelarates efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges. The platforms comprise three AW – 109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H – 125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. The three A – 109, which form part of the 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on 15 September 2026, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026. The two H – 125s has been delivered earlier.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke in a signed statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, described the acquisition as “another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re – equipment of the NAF,” noting that the new platforms would increase asset availability and enhance the service’s responsiveness 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,” he stated.
The Chief of Air Staff expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained confidence in and commitment to the Nigerian Air Force. “On behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Airforce, I expressed our profound appreciation to Mr. President for his sustained support for transformation and modernisation of the services. His commitment is enabling us to progressively build capabilities required to meet our operational responbilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges, he said.
According to the statement, Air Marshal Aneke noted that the three AW – 109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance NAF – capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat, search and rescue as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces. He added that the two H – 125 helicopters would provide versatile and responsive light helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, collectively expanding the services flexibility and capacity to respond to evolving operational demands.
Following their arrival, the new platforms are undergoing post delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalisation, including the necessary technical and crew readiness processes.
The Chief of Air Staff stressed that the Nigerian Air Force’s responsibility is to ensure that the investment translates into tangible operational effects. “We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable values to ongoing operations and the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians, he stated.
He added that the increased rotary – wing capacity would strengthen support to joint forces in countering terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to forces on the ground.
The statement concluded that the delivery of the five helicopters marks another major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces beyond expanding the Nigerian Air Force fleet, the new platforms are expected to enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness, and sustainability, providing additional capacity to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of joint operations, protect communities and contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
