The Nigerian Air Force has received five new helicopters, including three AW-109 Trekker Bs and two H-125s, to strengthen operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry
NAF Receives Five New Helicopters to Boost Nigeria’s Airpower
The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up the modernisation of the country’s airpower and strengthens the military’s capacity to respond to terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats.
The new platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2026.
According to the NAF, the three AW-109 Trekker Bs, which are part of 10 helicopters recently acquired by the Federal Government, arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.
The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the latest delivery as a major step in the Federal Government’s ongoing investment in the NAF’s modernisation and re-equipment.
He said the additional aircraft would increase the availability of operational platforms and give the Service greater flexibility in supporting ground forces across different theatres.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Aneke stated.
The Chief of the Air Staff also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained 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,” 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,” he added.
Aneke said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would expand the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue operations.
The helicopters would also be deployed for other joint missions in support of surface forces, further expanding the range of operations for which the NAF can provide rotary-wing support.
The two H-125 helicopters, meanwhile, are expected to provide versatile light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements, giving commanders additional options as operational demands evolve.
Following their arrival, the new helicopters are undergoing post-delivery assembly and other processes required ahead of their induction and operational deployment.
The NAF said the preparations include technical checks and crew-readiness processes designed to ensure the platforms are properly integrated into the Service’s operations.
Aneke stressed that the acquisition would only achieve its intended purpose if the new aircraft were effectively maintained and deployed.
“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 stated.
According to the Chief of the Air Staff, the additional rotary-wing capability would strengthen support for joint forces engaged in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
He said the increased helicopter fleet would also improve the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support available to troops operating on the ground.
The latest delivery represents another step in the Federal Government’s effort to expand and modernise the Nigerian Air Force fleet, while improving the Service’s operational flexibility and capacity.
With seven more AW-109 Trekker B helicopters expected before the end of 2026, the NAF is set to further increase its rotary-wing capability as the Armed Forces continue operations against security threats across the country.
