President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernise the military and strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The induction ceremony, held on Thursday, as noticed by WorldClass247News, featured three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.
The addition of the aircraft is expected to expand the NAF’s rotary-wing fleet, improve operational readiness and enhance its capacity to respond to emerging security threats across the country.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as joint military operations.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters, on the other hand, will provide light-helicopter capabilities for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational assignments.
The Air Force said the new platforms would improve situational awareness, increase operational flexibility and strengthen air support for troops deployed across various operational theatres.
It also stressed that effective utilisation of the aircraft would require sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to ensure maximum operational efficiency.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the importance of translating investments in modern military platforms into improved operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and continuous personnel development.
The Air Force said the acquisition forms part of broader efforts to strengthen its contribution to ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
It added that the helicopters would further enhance the Service’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and support efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
The development marks another phase in the Federal Government’s drive to build a more technologically advanced, responsive and operationally capable Nigerian Air Force.