The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters, in a major boost to Nigeria’s airpower capabilities as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise and re-equip the Armed Forces to confront evolving security threats.
The newly delivered platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who said the acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s sustained investment in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Service.
According to the statement, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as part of a batch of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government. The remaining seven helicopters are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.
The two H-125 helicopters had already been delivered to the NAF, bringing the total number of newly acquired helicopters covered by the latest acquisition to five.
Aneke: New Helicopters Will Boost Operations
Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke said the arrival of the helicopters would increase aircraft availability and give commanders greater flexibility in deploying airpower in support of ongoing military operations across the country.
He said the new platforms would particularly strengthen the NAF’s ability to provide timely and effective air support to ground troops operating in challenging environments.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” the CAS said.
The Air Chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued confidence in the Nigerian Air Force and sustained support for the transformation and modernisation of the Service.
Aneke said the Federal Government’s investment was enabling the NAF to progressively develop the capabilities required to meet its operational responsibilities and respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
AW-109s to Strengthen ISR, Combat Support
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are expected to provide a significant boost to the NAF’s rotary-wing capabilities.
According to the Service, the platforms will enhance the Air Force’s capacity to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, as well as other joint missions in support of surface forces.
The versatility of the AW-109 platform is expected to provide commanders with additional options for rapidly deploying air assets in support of troops engaged in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other internal security operations.
The helicopters will also improve the ability of the NAF to respond to emerging threats, particularly in situations where speed, mobility and sustained aerial support are critical to the success of ground operations.
H-125s to Provide Light Helicopter Support
The two H-125 helicopters will complement the newly acquired AW-109s by providing versatile light-helicopter capabilities for a range of operational requirements.
The NAF said the platforms would collectively expand the Service’s flexibility and capacity to respond to changing operational demands.
The increased rotary-wing fleet is expected to enhance the military’s ability to move personnel and equipment, conduct surveillance and support joint forces operating in difficult and hard-to-reach areas.
Helicopters Undergoing Assembly, Operationalisation
Following their arrival, the newly delivered platforms are undergoing post-delivery assembly and other technical processes ahead of their formal induction and operational deployment.
The NAF said the process would also include the necessary crew-readiness and technical preparations required to ensure that the helicopters are fully prepared for operational employment.
Aneke stressed that the Service’s responsibility goes beyond simply acquiring new platforms, noting that the NAF must ensure that the Federal Government’s investment translates into measurable operational effects.
He said the Service would continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment to ensure maximum availability of the newly acquired aircraft.
“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians,” Aneke said.
Boost for Counter-Terrorism Operations
The acquisition comes as Nigeria’s Armed Forces continue to conduct operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across multiple theatres.
The NAF said the additional rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support for joint forces involved in these operations by improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support available to troops on the ground.
The new helicopters are therefore expected to play an important role in enhancing operational mobility, surveillance and responsiveness while supporting ground forces in their efforts to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action.
Beyond their immediate operational roles, the additional platforms are also expected to contribute to greater fleet resilience and sustainability by expanding the number of rotary-wing assets available for deployment.
The delivery of the five helicopters consequently represents another major step in the Federal Government’s broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and equip the Armed Forces with platforms capable of responding to contemporary security challenges.
With the remaining seven AW-109 Trekker B helicopters expected before the end of 2026, the NAF is set to further expand its rotary-wing capabilities and strengthen its capacity to provide decisive airpower in support of joint operations.
The latest acquisition reinforces the Federal Government’s focus on building a more responsive and capable Nigerian Air Force, while providing additional airpower to protect communities, support troops and contribute to national security and stability.
