President Bola Tinubu is expected to induct five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet as part of efforts to strengthen military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus. The induction ceremony is scheduled for today at the Presidential Air Fleet facility in Abuja.
According to a flyer shared by the Nigerian Air Force on its X account, the event will also feature the commissioning of newly constructed hangars. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, will host the ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m., with Tinubu as the special guest of honour.
The Air Force said the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the two H-125 aircraft had been delivered earlier. The three AW-109 helicopters form part of a larger order of 10 aircraft, with the remaining seven expected before the end of 2026.
The new AW-109 helicopters are expected to support intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue missions, while the H-125 aircraft will provide light helicopter support for various operational needs.
The acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Nigerian Air Force, improve aircraft availability and strengthen support for ground troops operating across multiple security theatres.
