The Federal Government has moved forward with the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from US manufacturer Bell Textron as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capabilities.
The development followed a signing ceremony involving the Nigerian Air Force and Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States, according to PUNCH.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a NAF delegation to the ceremony, which forms part of the Nigeria-US Government defence cooperation programme.
The acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement.
Aneke said the AH-1Z Viper programme represented an important step towards building a more capable and mission-ready Air Force.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that the capabilities acquired through the programme translate into improved operational effectiveness and support national security objectives.
The Chief of the Air Staff acknowledged the support of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the programme.
“Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme,” Aneke said.
During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at Bell Textron’s facility.
The latest development follows the NAF’s disclosure in February that it was fast-tracking the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, alongside 24 M-346 fighter ground-attack aircraft and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
It also comes six days after the Air Force received five new helicopters comprising three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The three AW-109 helicopters are among 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.
The NAF said the new platforms are part of ongoing efforts to expand airpower capabilities and improve support for troops involved in security operations.
