The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has moved closer to acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters following a beam signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States.
The ceremony, led by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, marked a major milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States Government defence cooperation programme.
Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the acquisition was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the AH-1Z Viper acquisition would enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and strengthen the NAF’s ability to deliver decisive airpower in support of surface forces.
“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force,” Aneke said.
The Chief of the Air Staff said the programme was consistent with his command philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
Aneke also emphasised the need to ensure that the capabilities being acquired translated into improved operational effectiveness in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his “strategic leadership, unwavering support and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.”
The CAS also acknowledged the support of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.
He said sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development would remain critical to the successful implementation of the programme.
During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility in Amarillo.
The development comes six days after the NAF took delivery of five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing airpower modernisation programme.
The newly delivered platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The latest acquisition moves highlight the Federal Government’s continuing efforts to expand Nigeria’s rotary-wing capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond to security threats.
