The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a major step towards acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters following a beam signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a NAF delegation to the ceremony, which marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States Government defence cooperation programme.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security capabilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the acquisition would improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“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 said.
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 in coordination with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
He stressed the need to ensure that the capabilities being acquired translated into improved operational effectiveness in support of Nigeria’s security objectives.
Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his “strategic leadership, unwavering support and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture”.
He acknowledged the continued support of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.
“Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme,” Aneke said.
During the visit, the NAF delegation also inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The statement said the development underscored the commitment of the Federal Government and the NAF to developing modern airpower capabilities and strengthening strategic partnerships in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
The move comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of five new helicopters as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ response to security threats.
The newly delivered platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
