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The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s airpower and improve military response to terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
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The new fleet comprises three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
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The three AW-109s arrived in Lagos on September 15 as part of a batch of 10 acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected before the end of 2026.
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The Air Force says the helicopters will expand its capacity for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue and other missions supporting troops on the ground.
September 16, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up the modernisation and re-equipment of the military to confront Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
THEWILL reports that the latest 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 Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the three AW-109 helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026.
The three aircraft form part of a larger batch of 10 AW-109 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 acquisition comes against the backdrop of sustained military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across several parts of the country, with the Armed Forces increasingly relying on air support to locate targets, move troops and provide cover for ground operations.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the arrival of the helicopters as another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.
According to him, the new platforms will increase aircraft availability and provide greater flexibility in the deployment of airpower 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”, Aneke stated, adding that the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces.
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The two H-125 helicopters, he added, would provide versatile and responsive light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements.
The Air Chief said the increased rotary-wing capability would enhance support for joint forces involved in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry by improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.
NAF said the newly delivered helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical processes and crew-readiness preparations ahead of their formal induction and operationalisation.
Aneke also stressed the importance of maintenance and logistics support to ensure that the new platforms remain available for sustained operations.
“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 added.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
