The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen military operations against security threats.

The newly delivered aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.

The three AW-109 helicopters are part of a batch of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government. They arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026. The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the acquisition as a major step in the continued re-equipment and modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke said the new platforms would increase aircraft availability and improve the service’s ability to respond rapidly across different operational theatres.

He explained that the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue operations.

The H-125 helicopters, he added, would provide flexible light-helicopter support for a range of operational requirements.

The Air Force said the newly delivered helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly and preparations ahead of their induction and deployment. The process includes technical checks and crew-readiness activities.

Aneke said the service would prioritise proper maintenance, logistics and effective deployment to ensure the aircraft contribute meaningfully to ongoing operations.

The increased helicopter capacity is expected to strengthen air support for troops conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, while improving the speed and reach of military responses in affected areas.