The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has progressed the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters following a formal beam signing ceremony at the Bell Textron manufacturing facility in Amarillo, Texas.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led the Nigerian delegation to the United States to mark the milestone under the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation framework between both nations. The procurement forms part of a wider campaign by the Federal Government to modernise the armed forces and enhance national security operations.
During the event, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the new fleet will bolster the military’s combat efficiency. “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,” he stated.
He explained that the induction aligns with his overarching vision of maintaining a highly motivated, professional force capable of delivering decisive airpower alongside ground troops to protect the nation.
Air Marshal Aneke commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast leadership and commitment to fortifying the nation’s security structure. He also expressed gratitude to the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276, and associated international partners. Stressing the long-term nature of the partnership, he noted, “Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme.”
Following the ceremony, the NAF delegation toured the Bell Textron assembly line to inspect the production process.
The official announcement, released on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, comes just six days after the Air Force received five new rotary-wing aircraft. That recent delivery comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters built by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.