The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of an additional batch of three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters after successfully completing factory acceptance tests at Leonardo Helicopters’ facility in Vergiate, Italy.
The acceptance exercise, conducted between June 29 and July 3, 2026, involved a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence. According to the NAF, the milestone reflects the Federal Government’s continued investment in strengthening the country’s air power and improving the operational readiness of the Armed Forces to tackle evolving security threats.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the successful acceptance of the helicopters forms part of the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing fleet modernization programme aimed at enhancing national security.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, noted that the changing nature of modern security challenges requires technologically advanced, mission-ready aircraft capable of responding effectively to emerging threats.
He said the addition of the three helicopters will further strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s ability to support ground troops, deny criminal and terrorist groups freedom of operation, and improve security across the country.
The latest acquisition also demonstrates the steady progress of the Air Force’s modernization efforts, with a focus on deploying reliable aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of military and counter-terrorism operations.
