The Nigerian Navy has said that the newly acquired Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters would boost its operations positively.
Director, Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said that in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The three helicopters were handed over in a brief ceremony on Tuesday at the Caverton Helicopters Limited hangar facilities in Ikeja, Lagos.
Adams-Aliu said the AW 109 helicopters have all purpose-built VIP configuration, with full leather and noise attenuation system.
The helicopters, he added, are designed with landing skids, giving them better landing capacity compared to wheeled helicopters.
“Additionally, the helicopters are designed with auxiliary tanks to ensure extended endurance of up to three hours and 40 minutes.
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“Thus, the helicopter could be used for long range transport flights. The helicopters could also be retrofitted with purpose-built mission equipment.”
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who received the newly acquired helicopters, thanked President Bola Tinubu, for his support to the military in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular.
Vice Admiral Ogalla also expressed gratitude to both the minister of defence and minister of state for defence for facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters to boost the navy’s operations.
Also present at the hand-over ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, and other officials.
