The Nigerian Air Force has moved closer to acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters after signing a beam agreement with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a NAF delegation to the ceremony, which represents a significant development in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States Government defence cooperation programme.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
Speaking at the event, Aneke said the helicopters would improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He said, “The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.”
The Chief of the Air Staff said the programme was consistent with his command philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects while working with surface forces to meet national security objectives.
Aneke also emphasised the need to ensure that the newly acquired capabilities translate into improved operational effectiveness in support of national security.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his “strategic leadership, unwavering support and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.”
He further recognised the continued assistance and cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.
The CAS said, “Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme.”
During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
According to the statement, the milestone reflects the Federal Government’s and NAF’s commitment to developing modern airpower capabilities and deepening strategic partnerships in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
The development comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force received five new helicopters as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and improve the Armed Forces’ response to security threats.
The aircraft delivered comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters produced by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
