President Bola Tinubu has formally inducted two new attack helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet as part of intensified efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
The induction ceremony, which took place in Abuja on Thursday, coincided with the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force.
The president was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who presided over the ceremony that marked the addition of the helicopters—designated NAF544 and NAF545—into the Air Force’s arsenal.
The newly inducted Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters are expected to bolster air power and enhance the military’s capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity plaguing various regions of the country.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, used the occasion to highlight the government’s broader aviation support strategy, disclosing that the NAF is on track to receive 49 additional aircraft by the year 2027.
“In line with Mr President’s firm commitment towards Nigeria’s security, the Nigerian Air Force is poised to receive 49 more aircraft within the next two years. This includes 10 additional Augusta 109 Trekker helicopters, 12 A-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 20 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three CASA 295 medium airlift aircraft,” the NAF chief explained.
Abubakar also noted that from 2024 to date, the Nigerian Air Force has already taken delivery of nine brand new aircraft.
These include four T-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, and the two newly inducted Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters.
