The Nigerian Air Force has received five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s drive to upgrade its fleet and improve the military’s capacity to tackle security threats.
The newly delivered aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters produced by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehinmen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the three AW-109 helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026, as part of a batch of 10 acquired by the Federal Government. The remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026, while the two H-125 helicopters had already been delivered.
“The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government accelerates 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 AW-109s, which form part of 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 had been delivered earlier”, the statement partly read.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the delivery as a major step in the Federal Government’s continued investment in strengthening the NAF.
Aneke said the helicopters would increase aircraft availability and give the service greater flexibility and responsiveness across different operational theatres.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said.
According to the CAS, the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would expand the Air Force’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, alongside other joint military operations.
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He added that the H-125 helicopters would serve as versatile light aircraft capable of supporting a range of operational requirements.
Aneke also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued backing of the Air Force’s modernisation programme.
“On behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I express our profound appreciation to Mr President for his sustained support for the transformation and modernisation of the Service.
“His commitment is enabling us to progressively build the capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges,” he said.
The Air Force said the newly received helicopters were undergoing post-delivery assembly before being formally inducted and deployed for operations.
The process includes technical checks and crew-readiness procedures to ensure the platforms are prepared for service.
Aneke said the NAF would maintain a strong focus on the maintenance and logistical support of the aircraft to maximise their operational value.
“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,” he said.
The CAS further noted that the expansion of the NAF’s rotary-wing fleet would improve support for joint forces engaged in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The NAF said the additional helicopters would ultimately enhance the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support provided to troops operating on the ground.