The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led a high-level Programme Management Review meeting in the United States aimed at accelerating the delivery of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The engagement, held from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, brought together senior United States Government officials and representatives of Bell Textron.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the meeting focused on fast-tracking the helicopter acquisition programme, a key element of the CAS’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready Air Force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces.
Speaking during the review, Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Bell Textron for their professionalism, transparency, and sustained cooperation. He noted that the structured programme review underscores the NAF’s emphasis on discipline, accountability, and results-driven execution.
“We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” the CAS stated.
Air Marshal Aneke further described the helicopter acquisition as more than a platform upgrade, stressing that it reflects the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common commitment to regional and global security.
Reaffirming the NAF’s sense of urgency, the CAS assured the US team that his administration would take all necessary measures to ensure delivery in the shortest possible time, while charging the programme management team to complete production on schedule and within budget.
The CAS also expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force. He noted that the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.
According to him, the advanced capabilities of the helicopters will enable the NAF to conduct highly precise operations, minimise collateral damage, and provide timely and effective support to ground forces, thereby saving lives and protecting property across affected communities.
Air Marshal Aneke reassured Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorist and criminal threats with professionalism, restraint, and accountability, while sustaining public trust and confidence in the Service’s operations.
