By David Oluwatosin
President Bola Tinubu has inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), comprising three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B and two Airbus H-125 aircraft, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s airpower capabilities and improve national security.
The induction ceremony, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, marks another phase in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise the Armed Forces and enhance the Air Force’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the new aircraft will expand its rotary-wing fleet, improve aircraft availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across the country.
The three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are expected to strengthen the Service’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as joint operations in support of ground troops.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters, on the other hand, will provide light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.
The Air Force said the combined capabilities of the five platforms would improve situational awareness, enhance response times and strengthen air support for troops deployed across multiple operational theatres.
Beyond the acquisition of new aircraft, the Service highlighted the importance of sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to maximise the operational benefits of the platforms.
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It said the focus remained on translating investments in modern equipment into improved mission effectiveness, operational readiness and more responsive support for joint military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and other senior government and military officials.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently emphasised the need to complement investment in modern aircraft with mission-focused training, effective maintenance and professional development of personnel.
The NAF said the effective deployment of the helicopters would strengthen its contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing operations to restore peace and security across the country.
