The Nigerian Air Force has taken a major step towards acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States following a beam signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas.
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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Nigerian Air Force delegation to the ceremony, which forms part of the ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
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According to the NAF, the acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and improve the country’s capacity to respond to security threats.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the programme is expected to improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian military and strengthen its airpower.
Aneke said the acquisition would support the development of a more capable and mission-ready Air Force, with improved ability to conduct operations alongside ground forces.
He also stressed the need to ensure that the new capabilities translate into improved operational effectiveness and contribute to Nigeria’s national security objectives.
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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 AH-1Z Viper programme.
He said continued defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development would be important to the successful implementation of the helicopter acquisition programme.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The development comes about a week after the Nigerian Air Force received five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s wider effort to expand and modernise the country’s air capabilities.
The five aircraft comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters produced by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The latest acquisition programme is expected to further expand the Nigerian Air Force’s fleet as the military continues to strengthen its air capabilities for ongoing security operations.
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