In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s aerial defense and intensify the war against terrorism and insurgency, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to receive 49 new aircraft over the next two years, according to Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff.
The announcement came on Friday during the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st Anniversary celebration in Abuja, where two newly acquired Agusta 109S Trekker helicopters were officially unveiled. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima presided over the commissioning of the first batch of 12 helicopters recently ordered by the federal government.
Abubakar disclosed that the fleet expansion will include more Trekker helicopters, cutting-edge attack helicopters, ground-attack aircraft, and medium-lift air transport planes. These assets, he said, will significantly upgrade the NAF’s operational capacity for precision airstrikes, tactical mobility, and rapid response support for ground forces across conflict zones.
“With the evolving security dynamics in Nigeria, it’s imperative to build a technologically advanced and highly responsive Air Force. These additions will enhance our capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other emerging threats,” he said.
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Since taking over in June 2023, Air Marshal Abubakar has pursued a comprehensive transformation agenda aimed at modernizing the NAF into a smarter, faster, and more agile fighting force. This includes the prioritization of international training programs for pilots and maintenance crews, some of whom are currently undergoing specialized training abroad to support the incoming aircraft.
Beyond acquisitions, the Air Force is investing heavily in research and development to improve local capacity for aircraft maintenance and innovation. Through partnerships with global defense firms and local institutions, the NAF is working to stay ahead in modern warfare technologies.
The Air Chief expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support and reaffirmed the force’s dedication to transparency, professionalism, and inter-agency cooperation. “These aircraft will be maintained to the highest standards and deployed in service of national peace and security. The Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s airspace and contributing to a secure and prosperous Nigeria,” Abubakar stated.
