Nigerian Air Force Receives Five New Helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has bolstered its capabilities with the delivery of five new helicopters, comprising three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, announced that the AW-109 helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026.

This acquisition is part of a larger order of 10 AW-109 helicopters, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of the year. The delivery of these helicopters is crucial as the Nigerian military continues operations against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, stated that the new helicopters will enhance aircraft availability and provide greater flexibility in deploying airpower in support of ground troops. The AW-109 helicopters will specifically improve capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, and combat search and rescue operations.