The Nigerian Air Force has moved forward with plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States following a beam-signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Nigerian Air Force delegation to the ceremony, which represents a major step in the implementation of the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme.
According to a statement issued Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the AH-1Z Viper programme would improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian military.
He described the acquisition as an important milestone in efforts to develop a more capable and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force, capable of delivering airpower in coordination with ground forces.
Aneke also stressed the need to ensure that the new capabilities translate into improved operational effectiveness in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
The Chief of the Air Staff commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the military’s modernisation efforts and acknowledged the cooperation of the US government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the programme.
“Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme,” Aneke said.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation also inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo.
The development comes less than a week after the Nigerian Air Force received five new helicopters as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernise its air fleet.
The latest delivery comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The planned acquisition of the 12 AH-1Z Vipers, alongside the recent helicopter deliveries, forms part of Nigeria’s broader programme to strengthen its airpower capabilities and support military operations against security threats.
