Air Chief Says New Helicopters Will Boost Nigeria’s Airpower and Counterterrorism Operations
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a major step towards acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters following a beam signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led the NAF delegation to the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme.
According to NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
Aneke said the AH-1Z Viper acquisition would enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces and support the NAF’s drive to develop a more capable and mission-ready force.
He said sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development would remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme.
The Air Chief also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities, while acknowledging the cooperation of the US Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders.
During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The development comes six days after the NAF took delivery of five new helicopters comprising three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The latest acquisitions are part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to expand Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the military’s response to security threats.