FG SEALS DEAL FOR 12 US ATTACK HELICOPTERS

The Nigerian Air Force 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 a Nigerian Air Force delegation to the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States defence cooperation programme.

The acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security capabilities.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters would improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He described the programme as an important step towards building a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke said the acquisition was consistent with his command philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering airpower effects in coordination with surface forces.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the new capabilities translate into improved operational effectiveness and contribute to Nigeria’s national security objectives.

The Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as strategic leadership and continued support for strengthening the country’s defence and security architecture.

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

Aneke said continued defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development would remain important to the successful implementation of the programme.

During the visit, the NAF delegation also inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility in Texas.

The latest development forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to expand Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and improve the Armed Forces’ response to security challenges.

It comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force received five new helicopters as part of the ongoing airpower modernisation programme.

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

The government said the acquisition of new aircraft and ongoing defence partnerships were aimed at strengthening the Nigerian military’s operational capabilities and supporting national security efforts.