The Federal Government has taken delivery of five new helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen air operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits across the country.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced the delivery in a statement on Tuesday.
Ejodame said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on Tuesday.
He said the remaining seven helicopters were expected to be delivered before the end of the year, adding that the two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the acquisition as “another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.”
Aneke said the new platforms would increase aircraft availability and enhance the Service’s responsiveness across multiple theatres of operation.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he was quoted as saying.
The CAS said the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint operations in support of surface forces.
He added that the H-125 helicopters would provide versatile and responsive light helicopter support for a range of operational requirements.
According to him, the acquisition would expand the Service’s flexibility and capacity to respond to evolving operational demands.
Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the transformation and modernisation of the Air Force.
“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,” he said.
“His commitment is enabling us to progressively build the capabilities required to meet our operational responsibilities and confront the nation’s evolving security challenges.”
The NAF said the newly delivered helicopters were undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalisation.
It said the process included necessary technical checks and crew-readiness procedures before the platforms would be deployed for operational duties.
The CAS stressed that the Service would ensure that the investment translated into measurable operational gains.
“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.
Aneke said the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support for joint forces engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations.
He added that the helicopters would improve the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
The delivery of the new platforms is part of the Federal Government’s sustained investment in military platforms and equipment to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in confronting the country’s security challenges.
The acquisition is expected to expand the NAF’s rotary-wing fleet and improve its ability to provide flexible and responsive air support for joint operations and the protection of communities across the country.