Tinubu Inducts Five New Helicopters into Nigerian Air Force Fleet

By Zainab Uzomah

President Bola Tinubu has inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet to strengthen its operational capabilities and support ongoing military operations across the country.

The aircraft, comprising three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, were inducted on Thursday, October 29, 2026, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and enhance national security.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the Service’s capacity for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue operations.

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

It added that the five aircraft would expand the Air Force’s rotary-wing fleet, improve aircraft availability, enhance situational awareness and provide greater flexibility in supporting troops across different theatres of operation.

The NAF said the induction reflected the Federal Government’s continued investment in modern military platforms to improve the country’s capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

It also emphasised the need for sustained investment in aircraft maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to ensure optimal utilisation of the new platforms.

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

The statement further quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as emphasising the importance of translating investments in modern aircraft into improved operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and professional development of personnel.

The Air Force said the helicopters would strengthen its contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the country.