₦airaland Forum

NAF RECEIVES FIVE NEW HELICOPTERS AS FG ACCELERATES AIRPOWER MODERNISATION

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government accelerates efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges. The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. The three AW-109s, which form part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on 15 September 2026, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026. The two H-125s had been delivered earlier.

Speaking on the development, 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 new platforms would increase asset availability and enhance the Service’s responsiveness across multiple theatres. “The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he stated.

The CAS expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained confidence in and commitment to the NAF. “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. 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 said.

Air Marshal Aneke noted that the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance NAF 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 added that 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.

Following their arrival, the new platforms are undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operationalisation, including the necessary technical and crew-readiness processes. The CAS stressed that the NAF’s responsibility is to ensure that the investment translates into tangible operational effects. “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. He added that the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support to joint forces in countering terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to forces on the ground.

The delivery of the five helicopters marks 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, the new platforms are expected to enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability, providing additional capacity to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of joint operations, protect communities and contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

15 September 2026

Source

will it be used to comb the forest and sniff out terrorists in their hideouts or just parading airspace for fun with no accountability. Its a big question begging for answer

Onionbandit, game over

Repent oooooo

We actually need Apache

A serving senator has been embroiled in scandal of sponsoring bandits. Yet, the security agencies never deemed it fit to probe the allegations, invite him for questioning and get to the root of the matter.

Yet, we keep loosing the lives of our gallant officers to these terrorists.

So, is this really worth celebrating?

Good development
Tinubu till 2031

I hope they're not a refurbished helicopters 🚁 as usual ‼️

Same old story.
People are suffering.

TheStreetNews:
NAF RECEIVES FIVE NEW HELICOPTERS AS FG ACCELERATES AIRPOWER MODERNISATION


Source

Just 5 and you all are jumping up and down like frog...... Is this how you will fight bandits in your region?


If Peter Obi is the president he will buy 100 helicopters in just one day.


💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

The helicopter or helecoputer no look like military specs ooo

Abi na for cruising Just asking oo
Don't come for my head 😒

Well done gallant force. May u use it to demolish our enemies

Just like a poster noticed those choppers ain't Military grade
Smh
🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️

Refurbished helicopter

HOPE no be FATHER of AGES una PURCHASED again, U RENT new MODELS and RETURN, or PURCHASE GOD of AGES

These ones na for search and rescue na.weytin do attack helis

TheStreetNews:
NAF RECEIVES FIVE NEW HELICOPTERS AS FG ACCELERATES AIRPOWER MODERNISATION


Source

Helicopter that will be used to supply weapons to their subsidiaries in the forest.

Rubbish !

World War 2 Helicopters

Artsbeat:
Refurbished helicopter

Yes, where is subsidy money? We want cheap akpu rather than helicopters. Who helicopters help?
The progress being made will become undeniably clear so much that some people will start saying nonsense just to feel like they are criticizing something.

Instead them go dey use mini drones like the ones used by Ukraine to enter anywhere and fly at waste level to enter and engage terrorist at close quarter fight one on one

Hope we nor go hear say those small small Fulani children when Shekau born don collect 3 of the Helicopter for their hand o

This is Choper not force helicopter

The ones they have of what use have they put them to? Rubbish.

Fatbam003:
will it be used to comb the forest and sniff out terrorists in their hideouts or just parading airspace for fun with no accountability. Its a big question begging for answer

I support this your view

Do I be Tinubu person but I want a better Nigeria for Nigerians

Of course, it’s a great boost to the government’s narrative.

Technical Writer

To bomb Nigerians to submission to the desire of the mongers of sharia criminal justice system for an Islamic Republic of Nigeria to be governed with Sharia criminal laws.
Otherwise, Nigeria has no external enemy, does not require fighters and bomber aircraft.

Doesn't look scary enough, not worth it.

MEGAWATCH:
Just 5 and you all are jumping up and down like frog...... Is this how you will fight bandits in your region?


If Peter Obi is the president he will buy 100 helicopters in just one day.


💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

To become a content creator 😂😂😂

shameful...see what mighy giant of africa is displaying to the world...1966 helicopters...which country even use helicopters in modern warfare

This little toys. We need people with Sense in this country .

This is refurbished. Not new.

These are for election na. Stop deceiving yourself