President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen its operational capabilities and enhance ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The newly inducted aircraft comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, which are expected to expand the Air Force’s rotary-wing fleet, improve aircraft availability and increase its capacity to support ground troops in different operational theatres.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the additional helicopters will provide greater flexibility for military operations and strengthen the Service’s ability to deliver timely air support to troops.
The three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are designed to strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and joint operations in support of ground forces.
The aircraft are expected to improve the Air Force’s ability to gather operational intelligence, monitor security threats and support troops engaged in missions against armed groups and other security threats.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters will provide light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.
NAF said the combined capabilities of the five aircraft would enhance situational awareness, improve responsiveness and strengthen air support for troops deployed across multiple theatres of operation.
The induction comes amid ongoing military operations to address persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in parts of the country.
NAF said the additional platforms would improve mission effectiveness and operational readiness while enabling more responsive support for joint military operations.
The Nigerian Air Force has continued to pursue the modernisation of its aircraft fleet as part of efforts to strengthen its contribution to national security and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The Service also stressed the importance of ensuring that effective maintenance systems, adequate logistics, technical expertise and personnel training supported the acquisition of modern aircraft.
These measures, according to the statement, remain essential to maximising the operational value of the helicopters and ensuring their sustained availability for military missions.
The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and other senior government and military officials.
The NAF said the addition of the helicopters would support its drive to build a more capable, responsive and technologically advanced force.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently emphasised the need to translate investments in modern aircraft into improved operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and the professional development of personnel.
The Air Force said it remains focused on ensuring that the new platforms delivered improved operational readiness and more effective support for joint military operations.
It added that the effective deployment of the helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.