FG seals deal for 12 US attack helicopters

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke. Photo: State House

The Nigerian Air Force has taken a major step towards the acquisition of 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 a NAF delegation to the ceremony, which marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States Government defence cooperation programme.

According to a statement on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s defence and security architecture.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the acquisition would enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He said, “The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.”

The CAS said the programme aligned with his command philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the capabilities being acquired translated into enhanced operational effectiveness in support of national security.

Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his “strategic leadership, unwavering support and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.”

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He also acknowledged the continued support and cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.

The CAS said, “Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme.”

The NAF delegation also inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility during the visit.

The statement said the milestone underscored the commitment of the Federal Government and the NAF to developing modern airpower capabilities and strengthening strategic partnerships in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

This is coming six days after the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ response to security threats.

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