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Nigeria to add five helicopters to its air force

By , based on Punch

Map: Nigeria

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is due to induct five helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet to strengthen operations against security threats. The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125s and three AW-109 Trekker Bs, while seven more helicopters are expected before the end of 2026, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

President Bola Tinubu is due to induct five helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet on Thursday to strengthen operations against terrorism, kidnappings and banditry. The ceremony will also include the commissioning of new hangars at the presidential air fleet site in Abuja, the Nigerian Air Force announced.

The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW-109 Trekker Bs manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, will host the ceremony scheduled for 10am, while Bola Tinubu will attend as the guest of honour, according to a notice published on the Air Force’s X account.

The three AW-109s delivered on 15 September are part of an order for ten aircraft. The remaining seven helicopters are due to be delivered before the end of 2026, Punch reports. The AW-109s will be used for intelligence, surveillance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue operations.

The H-125s are to carry out light support missions. The acquisition is intended to improve the availability of air assets and support for troops deployed in several theatres of operation, as part of the modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force.

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