Nigerian Air Force Signs for 12 AH-1Z Viper Helicopters

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), led a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, for a beam-signing ceremony for the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. This event, as stated by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, signifies a crucial milestone in the Nigeria–United States Government defense cooperation program and Nigeria's efforts to modernize its Armed Forces.

Air Marshal Aneke expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support in strengthening Nigeria’s defense architecture. He emphasized that the acquisition aligns with his command philosophy of enhancing a capable and mission-ready NAF.

The CAS acknowledged the support from the United States Government and other stakeholders involved in the program, stressing the importance of sustained defense cooperation and capability development. The NAF delegation also inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line during the visit.