The Nigerian Air Force, NAF has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen military operations against security threats.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said the three AW-109 helicopters were received in Lagos on September 15, 2026.
The three aircraft are part of 10 AW-109 Trekker B helicopters recently acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of the year. The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the new helicopters would increase aircraft availability and improve the NAF’s capacity to support ongoing military operations.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Aneke said.
He explained that the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations.
According to him, the H-125 helicopters would provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.
The newly acquired platforms are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness processes ahead of their formal induction and operationalisation.
Aneke said the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen the NAF’s support for joint forces conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
He added that the Air Force would prioritise maintenance and logistics support to ensure the new aircraft remain available for operational deployment.