Hope Ajayi 
ABUJA, Nigeria -The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up efforts to modernise and re-equip the service amid evolving security challenges.
The new platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the acquisition formed part of the Federal Government’s sustained investment in strengthening the service’s operational capabilities.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as part of a batch of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government. The remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026, while the two H-125 helicopters have already been delivered.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the arrival of the aircraft as another milestone in the Federal Government’s investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.
“The versatility of the AW-109 platform is expected to provide commanders with additional options for rapidly deploying air assets in support of troops engaged in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other internal security operations,” Aneke said.
The helicopters are also expected to improve the Air Force’s ability to respond to emerging threats where speed, mobility and sustained aerial support are critical to ground operations.
According to the NAF, the two H-125 helicopters will complement the AW-109s by providing versatile light-helicopter capabilities for a range of operational requirements.
“We 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 said.
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