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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another significant milestone in its fleet modernization journey with the successful completion of a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) on a further batch of three AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at the Leonardo Helicopters factory in Vergiate, Italy.
This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Conducted from 29 June to 3 July 2026 by a delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence, the exercise highlights the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s air power capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces in addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
According to the statement, the successful acceptance exercise provided the Nigerian delegation with the opportunity to undertake comprehensive inspections and flight assessments to ensure that the helicopters were fully compliant with contractual specifications and operational requirements prior to their delivery to Nigeria. The exercise also reaffirmed the continued progress made under the NAF’s fleet modernization program, reflecting the Service’s determination to induct only reliable, mission-ready platforms capable of delivering decisive airpower effects across the full spectrum of operations.
“Once placed in the NAF inventory, the AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters will significantly enhance the Service’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint air operations in support of surface forces.
“Their addition to the NAF order of battle is expected to enhance responsiveness, operational reach and mission effectiveness in the ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and counter-banditry campaigns across various operational theaters nationwide,” he said.
Commenting on the achievement, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said:
“The dynamic nature of today’s security threats requires agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air capabilities.
“The successful acceptance of these additional helicopters marks another important step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s ability to deliver decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces, deny freedom of action to criminal elements and enhance security across our nation.”
He further reiterated that the NAF remains committed to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of effectively supporting national security objectives and protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
“This achievement further reflects the unwavering support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and decisively responding to the country’s security challenges.
“As the Nigerian Air Force continues to modernize its fleet and expand its operational capability, Nigerians can be assured of the service’s unwavering determination to continue to leverage airpower in concert with sister services and other security agencies to restore peace, safeguard national unity and create the secure environment necessary for national development and economic prosperity,” the statement read in part.
