President Bola Tinubu has formally inducted five helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve the military’s air capabilities amid persistent security challenges across the country.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, October 29, featured three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 aircraft produced by Airbus Helicopters.

The induction follows the delivery of the five aircraft in September and forms part of the government’s broader programme to upgrade the Air Force’s equipment and improve its support for ground operations.

The newly inducted helicopters have different operational roles. The three AW-109 Trekker B aircraft are designed to support intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, reconnaissance and close air support. They can also be deployed for armed escort duties and missions to locate and rescue personnel in combat situations.

The two H-125 helicopters will provide lighter air support, including surveillance and the movement of personnel for tactical assignments.

According to the Nigerian Air Force, adding the aircraft to its fleet is expected to improve the availability of helicopters for military operations and give commanders greater flexibility in responding to security threats in different parts of Nigeria.

However, the service has stressed that acquiring aircraft alone is not enough to achieve the desired results. Proper maintenance, reliable logistics, technical expertise and continuous training will be necessary to keep the helicopters operational and ensure they deliver the intended benefits.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has also highlighted the need to combine modern equipment with personnel development and effective maintenance to improve the military’s operational performance.

The ceremony also featured the inauguration of newly constructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility in Abuja, adding to the infrastructure supporting the country’s aviation operations.

Senior government and military officials attended the event, including the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, ministers and members of the National Assembly.

The acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s wider efforts to strengthen the Armed Forces’ response to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are also part of a larger order of 10 aircraft, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026, according to earlier Nigerian Air Force announcements.

SOURCES: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE, CHANNELS TELEVISION AND THE GUARDIAN.