The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disclosed plans to receive additional aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme, following the delivery of five helicopters in September 2026.
The expected platforms include 24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles, seven AW109 Trekker helicopters, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, three CASA C-295 medium airlifters, two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles and one H-225 multi-role helicopter.
The platforms, totaling 67, are expected to strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities in intelligence gathering, air strikes, close air support, surveillance and troop and equipment transportation.
Speaking in an interview published in October 2026 by the Defence Correspondent Magazine, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the service modernisation programme is being pursued as a long-term capability development initiative rather than merely an acquisition exercise.
“The modernisation programme is progressing, and we are deliberately approaching it as a long-term capability development programme rather than simply an acquisition exercise.
“Several additional platforms remain expected under the broader modernisation programme. These include:24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles, seven AW109 Trekker helicopters, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, three CASA C-295 medium airlifters, two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles and one H-225 multi-role helicopter,” he said.