By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its ongoing fleet modernisation programme with the successful acceptance of three additional AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters following the completion of Factory Acceptance Tests in Italy.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acceptance exercise was conducted at the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Vergiate, Italy, from June 29 to July 3, 2026, by a joint delegation from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence.
Ejodame said the exercise formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s air power capabilities and improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces in tackling terrorism, insurgency and other security threats.
He explained that the delegation carried out detailed technical inspections and flight evaluations to confirm that the helicopters met all contractual and operational requirements before their delivery to Nigeria.
According to him, the successful exercise marks another milestone in the NAF’s fleet modernisation programme, aimed at inducting reliable and mission-ready aircraft into service.
The statement noted that once delivered and inducted into the NAF inventory, the helicopters would strengthen the Service’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, close air support, armed escort missions, combat search and rescue operations, as well as other joint air operations in support of ground troops.
It added that the aircraft would improve the Air Force’s operational reach, responsiveness and overall mission effectiveness in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the evolving nature of security threats required agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities.
“The dynamic nature of contemporary security threats demands agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities. The successful acceptance of these additional helicopters marks another important step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces, deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security across our nation,” Aneke said.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of effectively supporting national security objectives and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
The Air Force also attributed the acquisition to the continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the administration remains committed to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
The NAF assured Nigerians that it would continue to leverage modern air power alongside other military and security agencies to restore peace, protect national unity and create a secure environment for economic growth and national development.