The Federal Government has received 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 aircraft include 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 on Tuesday.
Ejodame said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, among 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on Tuesday.
He added that the remaining seven helicopters were expected to arrive before the end of the year, while the two H-125 helicopters had already been delivered.
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 said.
The CAS said 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 supporting ground 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.