Insecurity: Tinubu inducts five new helicopters into NAF inventory

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday inducted five newly acquired helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inventory as part of efforts to address the country’s security challenges and strengthen military operations.

Tinubu performed the induction alongside the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

The five aircraft, inducted into the NAF Order of Battle at the Presidential Air Fleet hangars, were delivered to the service in September 2026. They comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW109 Trekker B helicopters.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the AW109 Trekker helicopters would enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed reconnaissance and combat search and rescue operations. He added that the H-125 helicopters would improve rotary-wing availability and give commanders greater flexibility across operational theatres.

According to him, “Within the period covered by our one-year assessment, five new helicopters were delivered in September 2026. These comprised three AW109 Trekker helicopters and two H125 helicopters.

“The AW109 Trekker provides enhanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed reconnaissance and combat search and rescue, while the H125 enhances rotary-wing availability and gives commanders greater flexibility across multiple theatres.

“Aircraft availability is continuously monitored because acquisition only creates capability at the Presidential Air Fleet hangars. When platforms are available, serviceable and supported by trained personnel,” he said.

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Earlier in October 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff disclosed plans to receive additional aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles under the NAF’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme.

The planned acquisitions include 24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles, seven AW109 Trekker helicopters, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, three CASA C-295 medium airlifters, two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles and one H-225 multi-role helicopter.

The 67 platforms are expected to strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities in intelligence gathering, air strikes, close air support, surveillance, and the transportation of troops and equipment.

The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, other service chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and senior government and military officials.

The induction marks another step in efforts to build a more capable, responsive and technologically advanced Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke has consistently emphasised the need to translate investments in modern aircraft and equipment into improved operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and the professional development of personnel.

The NAF is expected to deploy the helicopters in support of operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restoring peace and security across the country.

Speaking in an interview with defence correspondents, the Air Chief said the service’s modernisation programme was being pursued as a long-term capability development initiative rather than merely an acquisition exercise.

According to him, “The modernisation programme is progressing, and we are deliberately approaching it as a long-term capability development programme rather than simply an acquisition exercise

“The modernisation programme is progressing, and we are deliberately approaching it as a long-term capability development programme rather than simply an acquisition exercise.

“Several additional platforms remain expected under the broader modernisation programme.

“These include:24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles, seven AW109 Trekker helicopters, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, three CASA C-295 medium airlifters, two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles and one H-225 multi-role helicopter.”