NAF gets five helicopters to boost operational capabilities

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to boost its operational capabilities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the helicopters comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Ejodame said the induction marked another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen national security.

He also said that the induction underscored the federal government’s commitment to enhancing operational capacity of NAF to respond effectively to evolving security threats.

He added that the additional platforms would expand the service’s rotary-wing fleet, improve asset availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across the country.

According to him, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen NAF’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue and other joint operations in support of ground forces.

He said the two H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.

“Collectively, the platforms will enhance situational awareness, improve responsiveness and strengthen air support to troops operating across multiple theatres.

“Beyond expanding the fleet, the induction highlights the importance of sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to maximise operational value of modern aircraft.

“The NAF remains focused on translating these investments into improved mission effectiveness, greater operational readiness and more responsive support to joint military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats,” he said.

The NAF spokesman said the ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, ministers, members of National Assembly and other senior government and military officials.

He said the induction represents further step towards building more capable, responsive and technologically advanced NAF.

He quoted the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as consistently emphasising the importance of translating investments in modern platforms into enhanced operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and professional development of personnel.

“Through effective deployment of these platforms, NAF will strengthen its contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing operations to restore peace and security nationwide,” the CAS said.

(NAN)