Tinubu Inducts Five New Helicopters into NAF Fleet to Boost Fight Against Insecurity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a move aimed at strengthening the Service’s operational capabilities and improving its response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The newly inducted aircraft comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, marking another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the nation’s airpower and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
The induction is expected to expand the NAF’s rotary-wing fleet, improve aircraft availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across the country.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will enhance the Air Force’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of ground troops.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters, on the other hand, will provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.
Read Also:
According to the NAF, the additional platforms will collectively improve situational awareness, accelerate operational responses and strengthen air support for troops deployed across multiple theatres of operation.
Beyond the acquisition of new aircraft, the Service emphasised the importance of sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to ensure the platforms deliver maximum operational value.
The helicopters are expected to contribute to ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats, while strengthening the Air Force’s capacity to support joint military missions nationwide.
The ceremony attracted the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and senior government and military officials, underscoring the strategic significance of the acquisition to Nigeria’s national security.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently stressed the need to translate investments in modern aircraft into measurable operational gains through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and the professional development of personnel.
The latest induction reinforces the NAF’s drive to build a more capable, responsive and technologically advanced force, with the ultimate objective of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
