NAF Chief Meets US Officials to Speed Up Delivery of AH-1Z Attack Helicopters

By Zainab Uzomah

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has held high-level meetings in the United States aimed at accelerating the delivery of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters ordered by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

According to a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the engagements took place from 5 to 6 January in San Diego, California, and brought together senior US Government officials and representatives of aircraft manufacturer Bell Textron. The discussions formed part of a Programme Management Review designed to fast-track the acquisition process, which the NAF considers crucial to strengthening its operational capabilities.

During the meetings, Air Marshal Aneke thanked both the US Government and Bell Textron for what he described as their professionalism and transparency. He said the review demonstrated the NAF’s focus on accountability and disciplined project execution. The Air Chief stressed that the helicopters represented not only a technological upgrade but also a deepening of defence cooperation between both countries, highlighting shared security interests and long-standing military ties.

He also reiterated the NAF’s urgency in taking delivery of the platforms, urging the programme management team to work efficiently to ensure the aircraft are completed on schedule and within budget. “Timelines and standards must be met concurrently,” he said, adding that the service remained committed to innovative and solutions-driven execution.

Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Air Force, noting that the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly improve combat capability, precision targeting, and support to ground forces. He said the new platforms would help reduce collateral damage and enhance the protection of communities affected by insecurity.

The Air Chief assured Nigerians that the NAF would continue to pursue counter-terrorism and internal security operations with professionalism and accountability while maintaining public confidence in its mission.