The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters to boost its operational capabilities.
Ehimen Ejodame, NAF director of public relations and
information, said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the platforms comprise
three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of
Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
Ejodame said the three AW-109 helicopters, which are part of
10 recently acquired by the federal government, arrived in Lagos on September
15.
He said the remaining seven AW-109 helicopters are expected to be delivered before the end of the year, while the two H-125 helicopters were delivered earlier.
“The delivery of the five helicopters marks another major
milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower and
strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces,” the statement
reads.
“Beyond expanding the NAF fleet, the new platforms are
expected to enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability,
providing additional capacity to deliver decisive airpower effects in support
of joint operations, protect communities and contribute to a safer and more
secure Nigeria.”
Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff, described the acquisition
as “another significant milestone in the federal government’s sustained
investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF”.
The air chief said the new platforms would increase asset
availability and enhance the service’s responsiveness across multiple theatres.
He said the arrival of the five helicopters “provides
greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops
in ongoing operations.”
Aneke said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would
strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as
well as other joint operations in support of surface forces.
He added that the two H-125 helicopters would provide
versatile and responsive light helicopter support for various operational
requirements.
Aneke said the air force “will continue to prioritise
effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every
aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and the
protection of the lives and property of Nigerians.”
He added that the increased rotary-wing capacity would
strengthen support for joint forces in countering terrorism, kidnapping and
banditry, while improving the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to
troops on the ground.
According to the NAF spokesperson, the new platforms are
undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and
operationalisation, including necessary technical and crew-readiness processes.
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