Odita Sunday 
NAF receives five new helicopters as FG steps up airpower modernisation
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the nation’s airpower and enhance the military’s capacity to tackle emerging security threats.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the newly delivered platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
Ejodame said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, which form part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on September 15, 2026, while the remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. He added that the two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
According to him, the 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”, noting that the platforms would increase asset availability and improve the Service’s responsiveness across multiple theatres.
Aneke said, “The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations.”
Ejodame said the CAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued confidence in and commitment to the Nigerian 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,” Aneke said.
He added that the President’s commitment was enabling the NAF to progressively develop the capabilities required to meet its operational responsibilities and confront the country’s evolving security challenges.
Ejodame said the three 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, as well as other 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, collectively expanding the Service’s flexibility and capacity to respond to evolving operational demands.
According to Ejodame, the newly arrived platforms are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalisation, including the required technical and crew-readiness processes.
He quoted Aneke as stressing that the NAF must ensure that the latest investment translates into tangible 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,” the CAS said.
Ejodame said the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen the NAF’s support to joint forces engaged in countering terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
He said the delivery marked another major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
Beyond expanding the NAF fleet, Ejodame said the new helicopters were expected to enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability, while providing additional capacity to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of joint operations, protect communities and contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
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