The Nigerian Air Force's helicopter fleet is expanding with five new aircraft. The batch includes three AW-109 Trekker Bs and two H-125s, intended to strengthen intervention and support capabilities for ground forces.
The three AW-109s are intended primarily for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, but also for close air support, armed escorts, and search and rescue operations. The two H-125s are designed to provide light, versatile support for various operational missions.
The stated objective is to increase the availability of air assets and enable faster intervention in various theaters of operation. These capabilities are intended, in particular, to support operations against terrorism, kidnappings, and organized crime, by improving air support for ground forces.
The five aircraft are not yet deployed in operations. They are undergoing technical preparation and crew training before their official integration into the fleet. Furthermore, seven more AW-109s are expected before the end of 2026, which should further increase the Nigerian Air Force's helicopter capabilities.
Yolande Bazié
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