Nigerian Air Force Fast-Tracks Acquisition of 46 Aircraft to Boost Combat Readiness
Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Air Force has announced plans to fast-track the procurement of 46 fighter and rotary-wing aircraft as part of a broader effort to strengthen operational capacity and prepare pilots for next-generation combat platforms.
The acquisition includes 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, according to a statement issued on Friday by NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, disclosed the development on Thursday while inaugurating new infrastructure at the NAF Base in Kaduna, describing the move as critical to enhancing Nigeria’s airpower across the full spectrum of operations.
“Strategic engagements in the United States, Italy and Türkiye are already yielding results,” Aneke said. “We are fast-tracking these acquisitions to enhance our operational effectiveness and readiness.”
He said the newly commissioned Student Pilots’ Quarters form a key part of preparations for personnel who will operate the incoming advanced aircraft, stressing that modern airpower requires equally modern training environments.
The projects inaugurated include six blocks of 12 one-bedroom student pilots’ quarters, a block of six three-bedroom flats initiated by the Ministry of Defence and completed by the NAF, and a block of 30 one-bedroom studio apartments for personnel of the Military Training Centre.
Aneke thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting national security initiatives, including defence cooperation with Türkiye on helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. He also commended the former Chief of the Air Staff, HB Abubakar, for initiating the housing project.
In a welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal EP Efanga, said the facilities would improve personnel welfare and support pilot training for the incoming platforms.
The NAF said the fleet expansion and infrastructure upgrades are aimed at addressing evolving security threats and sustaining air superiority in support of national security objectives.
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