NAF takes delivery of five new helicopters to boost anti-terror operations

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recently received five new helicopters, bolstering the country's airpower capabilities and enhancing its ability to combat security threats. These platforms, comprising three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters from Italy's Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, were delivered to the NAF Headquarters in Lagos on September 15, 2026.

The three AW-109s are part of a larger batch of 10 helicopters recently acquired by the Federal Government, while the remaining seven are expected to be delivered by the end of the year. The two H-125 helicopters were already in the NAF's possession. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, announced that these new helicopters would increase aircraft availability and bolster the NAF's support for ongoing military operations.

He stated that the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support for joint forces combating terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. The NAF is currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical readiness, and crew processes for the new aircraft, with a focus on ensuring maintenance and logistics support to maintain the aircraft's operational readiness.