The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has unveiled plans to expand its combat and surveillance capabilities with the expected addition of 12 Turkish-made AKSUNGUR unmanned combat aerial vehicles, two Chinese-made CH-4D drones and six T129 ATAK attack helicopters.
The aircraft were listed among the service’s “additional expected aircraft” in an infographic published on its official X account on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as part of activities marking the first anniversary of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
However, the Air Force has not disclosed the contract values, signing dates or delivery schedules for the listed platforms. It also remains unclear whether formal procurement contracts have been concluded for all the aircraft.
AKSUNGUR Drones to Strengthen Surveillance Capabilities
The planned acquisition includes 12 AKSUNGUR unmanned combat aerial vehicles manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ).
The twin-engine drones are designed for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and armed missions. According to the manufacturer, the platform can remain airborne for up to 50 hours, carry a payload exceeding 750 kilogrammes and operate at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, depending on its configuration.
If the acquisition proceeds, the drones could strengthen Nigeria’s ability to monitor conflict zones, track the movements of armed groups and provide intelligence support to military operations across the country.
The AKSUNGUR would also expand Nigeria’s existing unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities, which include Chinese-made Wing Loong II and CH-4 platforms, as well as Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones.
The Air Force has not disclosed the weapons, sensors or operational configurations intended for the proposed AKSUNGUR fleet.
Two CH-4D Drones Also Listed
The NAF’s expected aircraft list also includes two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles manufactured in China.
The proposed acquisition would add to Nigeria’s experience operating Chinese-made unmanned systems, including the CH-4 and Wing Loong II.
The CH-4 family is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, with armed configurations capable of conducting strike missions. However, the Air Force has not released detailed specifications for the proposed CH-4D aircraft or explained how they will differ from the CH-4 variants already in its inventory.
The addition of the two drones could support ongoing surveillance and counterinsurgency operations, although their delivery dates and operational deployment plans have not been announced.
Six More T129 ATAK Helicopters Listed
The planned expansion also includes six T129 ATAK attack helicopters, another platform manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries.
Nigeria previously ordered six T129 helicopters, with the first two formally inducted into the Nigerian Air Force inventory at its Makurdi base on February 6, 2024. The helicopters were acquired to support counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and other security operations.
If the six aircraft currently listed represent an additional order and are delivered, Nigeria’s T129 fleet would increase from six to 12 helicopters.
However, the NAF’s latest infographic does not explicitly state whether the six listed aircraft are additional helicopters or relate to an earlier procurement arrangement. The service has yet to clarify the matter.
The T129 ATAK is designed for armed reconnaissance, close air support and engagements against hostile targets. Its capabilities are intended to help ground forces operating in areas affected by terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Part of a Wider Air Force Modernisation Programme
The planned drone and helicopter acquisitions form part of a broader Nigerian Air Force modernisation programme involving several aircraft types.
The NAF’s infographic also lists 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 24 M-346 fighter and ground-attack aircraft, seven AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters, three CASA C-295 transport aircraft and one H-225 multi-role helicopter among its additional expected aircraft.
In a separate announcement on September 15, 2026, the Air Force confirmed the receipt of five helicopters, comprising three AW-109 Trekker B aircraft and two H-125 helicopters, as the Federal Government continued efforts to modernise the service’s aviation fleet.
The service has also reported ongoing aircraft upgrades and maintenance activities aimed at improving availability and operational readiness.
Delivery Timelines Remain Unclear
Although the latest list provides an indication of the aircraft the Nigerian Air Force expects to add to its inventory, important details remain outstanding.
The service has not published confirmed delivery dates or contract values for the AKSUNGUR drones, CH-4D UAVs and six T129 helicopters. Nor has it publicly established whether all the listed aircraft are covered by signed procurement agreements.
Consequently, the proposed acquisitions should be understood as expected additions rather than confirmation that the aircraft have been delivered or entered operational service.
If implemented, the programme would expand Nigeria’s range of manned and unmanned aircraft available for surveillance, reconnaissance and combat support. Its practical impact, however, will depend on procurement completion, personnel training, maintenance capacity, funding and the successful integration of the aircraft into existing military operations.
