The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for an additional three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at Leonardo Helicopters’ facility in Vergiate, Italy.
The acceptance exercise, conducted from June 29 to July 3, 2026, involved a joint delegation from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence, marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s air power and improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the exercise enabled the Nigerian delegation to carry out detailed inspections and flight evaluations to ensure the helicopters fully met contractual specifications and operational requirements before delivery to Nigeria.
He noted that the successful acceptance reflects the steady progress of the Air Force’s fleet modernisation initiative and its commitment to inducting reliable, mission-ready platforms capable of supporting a wide range of military operations.
According to him, once inducted into the NAF inventory, the AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters will significantly enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as joint air operations in support of ground forces.
The additional platforms are also expected to improve the Air Force’s responsiveness, operational reach and mission effectiveness in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the evolving security environment requires agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities.
“The dynamic nature of contemporary security threats demands agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities. The successful acceptance of these additional helicopters marks another important step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces, deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security across our nation,” he said.
Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of effectively supporting national security objectives and protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
The Air Force said the successful acceptance of the helicopters reflects the continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and enhancing the country’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.
With the addition of the new aircraft, the NAF said it remains committed to leveraging air power alongside sister services and other security agencies to restore peace, protect national unity and create a secure environment for national development.
