The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led a high-level Programme Management Review with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron to accelerate the delivery of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The engagement, which held from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, United States, forms part of the NAF’s deliberate efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities in line with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
During the review, Air Marshal Aneke commended the United States Government and Bell Textron for their cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of the helicopter acquisition programme. He described the project as more than a mere upgrade of capabilities, noting that it reflects the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, founded on mutual trust, shared values, and a common commitment to regional and global security.
The CAS also charged members of the programme management team to remain focused, innovative, and disciplined in order to ensure the timely delivery of the helicopters within the approved timelines and budget.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force. He noted that the acquisition of the AH-1Z attack helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and overall mission readiness.
According to him, the advanced platforms will enable the Nigerian Air Force to conduct highly precise operations, provide responsive support to ground forces, protect lives and property, and more effectively neutralise terrorist and criminal threats, while sustaining public trust and confidence in the professionalism of the Service.
