The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the federal government accelerates efforts to modernise airpower capabilities.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Ejodame said the platforms comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters, Italy, and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.

He said the three AW-109s, which form part of 10 recently acquired by the federal government, were received in Lagos on September 15, with the remaining seven expected before the end of 2026.

According to him, the two H-125s have been delivered earlier.

Mr Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the Federal government’s sustained investment in modernisation and re-equipment of NAF.

Mr Aneke said the new platforms would increase asset availability and enhance NAF’s responsiveness across multiple 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.

The CAS thanked President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support for NAF’s transformation and modernisation.

“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.

“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.

Mr Aneke said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance NAF capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and joint operations in support of surface forces.

He said the two H-125 helicopters would provide versatile and responsive light helicopter support for a range of operational requirements.

The CAS said the platforms were undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of induction and operationalisation, including technical and crew-readiness processes.

“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and protection of lives and property of Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Aneke added that increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support to joint forces in countering terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to ground forces.

(NAN)