₦airaland Forum

Nigerian Air Force AW109

NAF ENHANCES COUNTER-TERRORISM CAPABILITIES WITH SUCCESSFUL ACCEPTANCE OF ADDITIONAL THREE AW109 TREKKER HELICOPTERS IN ITALY

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved another significant milestone in its fleet modernisation efforts with the successful completion of a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) on an additional batch of three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Vergiate, Italy. Conducted from 29 June to 3 July 2026 by a delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence, the exercise highlights the Federal Government's sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria's air power capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces to effectively address evolving security challenges.

The comprehensive inspections and flight evaluations undertaken during the acceptance exercise confirmed that the helicopters fully met contractual specifications and operational requirements ahead of their delivery to Nigeria. The successful exercise further underscores the steady progress of the NAF's fleet modernisation programme and the Service's determination to induct only reliable, mission-ready platforms capable of delivering decisive air power effects. Upon induction, the AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters will significantly enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue missions, as well as other joint operations in support of surface forces across various theatres of operation.

Commenting on the milestone, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stated that the dynamic nature of contemporary security threats demands agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities, noting that the additional helicopters will further strengthen the NAF's capacity to deliver decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces, deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance national security. The development further reflects the unwavering support of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. As the Nigerian Air Force continues to modernise its fleet and expand its operational capacity, Nigerians can remain assured of the Service's steadfast commitment to restoring peace, safeguarding national unity and creating a secure environment necessary for national development and economic prosperity.

#NigerianAirForce #AirPower #FleetModernisation #CounterTerrorism #CounterInsurgency #MissionReadiness #NationalSecurity #JointOperations #OperationalExcellence #WillingAbleReady

bidexiii:
Are you saying they're just reactivating just 3
This doesn't look like reactivation, looks more of new acquisitions, dont forget there were hear-say's about getting more T129 attack helicopters.

I don't know to be honest.

However from public information available this looks like reactivation. Where will MI-35 helicopters come from?

Are these not the 3 Helicopters

There is a serious information gap somewhere.


The President called for the accelerated delivery of the three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria to support ongoing security and counterterrorism operations, underscoring his administration’s determination to deploy all assets against terrorists across the nation.

“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” President Tinubu said.

Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 platform, broader defence aviation cooperation, as well as aircraft leasing and financing models, including export credit arrangements, sale-and-lease-back structures, and long-term aircraft financing solutions aimed at improving airlines’ access to aircraft and reducing sector financing constraints, were also discussed.

https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-welcomes-airbus-proposal-for-maintenance-and-hangar-facilities-in-nigeria-and-urges-accelerated-delivery-of-attack-helicopters/

Exnavyboy62:
Correct, also it won’t make sense to procure new Mil Mi 35s when the NAF is expecting the AH-1Z vipers, and operates T-129 Atak, AW-109M light attack helos, Mil Mi 17 Gunships and has converted some of its EC-135 into gunships.
Perhaps 3x Mil Mi 35s will be reactivated to serve as a stop gap pending the delivery of the AH-1Z viper.

There were reports during the President's visit that a contract for more T-129 Helicopters were signed. The MI 35M's have been grounded for a long time, and we haven't gotten a contract to service the helos. If we remember correctly we have also tried a company in the UAE.

It simply doesn't make any sense to purchase 3 x MI 35 despite what the evidence implies in the budget for the following reasons.

1) We signed a contract for 12 units, only 5 were delivered.

2) MI 35M/MI-35 and MI-24 helicopters have been grounded since the full scale war with Ukraine.

3) Unlike Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso perhaps Uganda we don't really have close ties with Russia.

4) The MI-35 in the budget is simply the base model. Russia only makes MI-35Ms now.

5) Off recent the Nigerian Air Force is usually very open about it's procurement of hardware. Every baby in Nigeria knows NAF is procuring M346FA, AH1Z, A109 Trekkers and intrested in CASA C295. Why is this one such a secret!

In my opinion, this suggests this is a reactivation instead of existing MI-35s already in NAF service. We only have the T-129 as active gunships. The other helicopters that are in use for attack are light helicopters fitted with guns.

jteku:
But it indicated NEW procurement

My issue with our defence budget at times is that a reactivation can also be classified as NEW.

bidexiii:
Am so happy that we are getting more MI-35m,

It doesn't say we are getting more MI-35M's though.

Just MI-35.

jteku:
Are we getting 6 more T-129 atak helicopters and 3 more MI 35m from russia

I've come to notice that Nigerian Defence budget is usually vague, and doesn't tell the full story.

Has there ever been anything on the defence budget on the AH1Z or M346FA?

How are China, Phoenix Arizona and NYC Europe?

Leonardo M346FA being offered to the American Air Force

Nigerian Air Force M346 Fighter Attack Aircraft.

rugged7:
What has happened to the 2 ships under construction in Turkey??
nns Aradu re- fit nko?
Something is wrong bro...

I read the previous Minister of Finance was slow in releasing funds approved by the President.

This was one of the reasons why he was sacked.

Nigerian Navy Ceremonial sunset

Newly inducted Vessels.

During the 70th Anniversary celebration, the Nigerian Navy inducted new patrol vessels (,pictured below) from Poly Technologies.

3 units were inducted!

Locally built Nigerian Army vehicles.

Toju200:
not Nigerian made.
They were ordered by NSA abroad.
Saw them leaving the port enmass last year

Oh really!

Do you have any clear pictures of the vehicle?

I always thought they were Nigerian because they had that local vibes and look like the Vanquisher vehicles.

Nigerian Drone Technology

Nigerian made Armoured vehicles ordered by MOD.

Nigerian Operators from NIMASA Deep blue project.

A subsidiary of the Nigerian Navy. Operators are maritime focused and are drawn from the Nigerian Navy mainly, Army and Air Force.

Nigerian Special Forces from the Office of the NSA and KIT.

Operators are drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Nigerian Army Deployment in Benin Republic.

Nigerian soldiers have now transitioned from Coup suppression to COIN/CTCOIN operations.

Nigerian made Special Forces Vehicle on internal deployment.

Nigerian Navy Commandos

jteku:
When are we expecting deliveries to commence any idea of the count of first batch

The count for the first batch is 6 units.

Nigerian Air Force M346FA