The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to tackle evolving security threats, including terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, which form part of a batch of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on 15 September 2026. The remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026. The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier and are now part of the NAF’s expanding rotary-wing fleet.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF. He noted that the new platforms would increase asset availability and enhance the Service’s responsiveness across multiple theatres of operation.
Air Marshal Aneke stated that the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen NAF capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint operations in support of surface forces. The H-125 helicopters, he added, would provide versatile and responsive light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, further expanding the Service’s flexibility.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” the Chief of the Air Staff said. He emphasised that the increased rotary-wing capacity would enhance joint operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry by improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to prioritising 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.