{
  "id": 7613077,
  "title": "NAF takes delivery of five new helicopters to boost anti-terror operations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/naf-takes-delivery-of-five-new-helicopters-to-boost-anti-terror-7613077",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T19:26:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/naf-takes-delivery-of-five-new-helicopters-to-boost-anti-terror-operations/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received five new helicopters to bolster anti-terror operations and enhance the armed forces' response to security threats. These helicopters include three AW-109 Trekker B platforms from Italy's Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. Air Commodore Ehinmen Ejodame announced that the three AW-109s arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026, with the remaining seven expected delivery by the end of 2026. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, emphasized that this acquisition marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government's continuous investment in modernising the NAF. The new helicopters will increase aircraft availability, enhance NAF responsiveness across multiple operation theaters, and improve the force's capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, and combat search and rescue. Aneke also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support in modernising the service, highlighting the commitment to building capabilities required to meet operational responsibilities and confront evolving security challenges.",
  "summary": "The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters to boost its anti-terror operations and modernise its airpower capabilities. Read More: https://punchng.com/naf-takes-delivery-of-five-new-helicopters-to-boost-anti-terror-operations/",
  "key_points": [
    "NAF receives five new helicopters to strengthen anti-terror operations.",
    "Three AW-109 helicopters from Italy arrive on September 15, 2026.",
    "Two H-125 helicopters from Airbus expected by year-end 2026."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "NAF takes delivery of five new helicopters to boost anti-terror operations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/naf-takes-delivery-of-five-new-helicopters-to-boost-anti-terror",
        "published": "2026-09-15T19:06:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "NAF receives five new helicopters to boost air operations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/naf-receives-five-new-helicopters-to-boost-air-operations",
        "published": "2026-09-15T19:22:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}