Insecurity: Tinubu to boost Air Force with five new helicopters

President Bola Tinubu Photo: State House

President Bola Tinubu is expected to induct five helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen military operations against security threats across the country.

The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy.

The Nigerian Air Force announced the ceremony in a flyer shared on its X account on Thursday, stating that the event would also feature the commissioning of newly constructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility in Abuja.

According to the flyer, Tinubu will attend as the special guest of honour, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, will host the event scheduled for 10 am.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Federal Government had taken delivery of the five helicopters as part of efforts to modernise the Air Force and improve its operational capacity.

The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

The three AW-109 aircraft are part of a larger order of 10 helicopters, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.

The Chief of the Air Staff had said the new aircraft would improve the availability of air assets and enhance the service’s ability to respond to security challenges across multiple operational theatres.

The Air Force said the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would support intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue operations.

The H-125 helicopters are expected to provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.

The acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Air Force and strengthen support for ground troops conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.