The Federal Government has moved closer to acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s airpower and security capabilities.
The Nigerian Air Force reached a major milestone in the acquisition programme 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 Nigerian Air Force delegation to the ceremony, which marked another step in the Nigeria-US 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 is part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to modernise the Armed Forces and improve the country’s defence and security architecture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the AH-1Z Viper helicopters would improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He described the acquisition as an important milestone in the Air Force’s efforts to build a professional, capable and mission-ready force.
Aneke said the programme was also consistent with his command philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated force capable of delivering decisive airpower in coordination with surface forces to meet national security objectives.
He stressed that the capabilities being acquired must translate into improved operational effectiveness and contribute directly to Nigeria’s security efforts.
The Chief of the Air Staff also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his strategic leadership and continued support for strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
Aneke further 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 sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development would remain important to the successful implementation of the project.
As part of the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The latest development comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of five helicopters as part of ongoing efforts to expand and modernise Nigeria’s airpower.
The five aircraft comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The Federal Government has continued to prioritise the acquisition of new military platforms as the Armed Forces seek to strengthen their response to security threats across the country.
