The Nigerian Air Force has disclosed plans to receive additional aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme, following the delivery of five helicopters in September 2026.
The expected platforms include 24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles, seven AW109 Trekker helicopters, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, three CASA C-295 medium airlifters, two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles and one H-225 multi-role helicopter.
The platforms, totalling 67, are expected to strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities in intelligence gathering, air strikes, close air support, surveillance and troop and equipment transportation.
Speaking in an interview published in October 2026 by the Defence Correspondent Magazine, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the service modernisation programme was being pursued as a long-term capability development initiative rather than merely an acquisition exercise.
“The modernisation programme is progressing, and we are deliberately approaching it as a long-term capability development programme rather than simply an acquisition exercise.
“Several additional platforms remain expected under the broader modernisation programme. These include:24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles, seven AW109 Trekker helicopters, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, three CASA C-295 medium airlifters, two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles and one H-225 multi-role helicopter,” he said.
Aneke disclosed that five helicopters were delivered in September, comprising three AW109 Trekker helicopters and two H125 helicopters.
According to him, the AW109 Trekker helicopters would enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed reconnaissance and combat search and rescue, while the H125 helicopters would improve rotary-wing availability and provide commanders with greater flexibility across operational theatres.
“Within the period covered by our one-year assessment, five new helicopters were delivered in September 2026. These comprised three AW109 Trekker helicopters and two H125 helicopters.
“The AW109 Trekker provides enhanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed reconnaissance and combat search and rescue, while the H125 enhances rotary-wing availability and gives commanders greater flexibility across multiple theatres.
“Aircraft availability is continuously monitored because acquisition only creates capability when platforms are available, serviceable and supported by trained personnel,” he said.
Aneke added that its priority was to ensure that newly acquired platforms were properly inducted, crewed, maintained and integrated into its operational structure.
“Our focus is therefore not simply on how many aircraft have arrived, but on ensuring that they are properly inducted, crewed, maintained and integrated into the operational structure,” the NAF chief said.
He also identified predictive maintenance and timely logistics support as key priorities for sustaining the operational value of the aircraft throughout their life cycle.
“The objective is not simply to increase the size of the Nigerian Air Force fleet, but to close critical capability gaps, improve operational flexibility and provide commanders with the right platforms for different mission sets,” he said.
He added that the programme was aimed at building a balanced and technologically enabled force with improved capacity for precision strikes, air mobility, intelligence gathering and other missions required to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
NAF Plans Major Fleet Expansion with 67 New Aircraft and Drones
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced plans to induct 67 additional aircraft and unmanned aerial systems under its ongoing fleet modernisation programme, following the delivery of five helicopters in September 2026.
The incoming platforms include 24 M-346 fighter and ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), seven AW109 Trekker helicopters, six T-129 ATAK helicopters, three CASA C-295 medium transport aircraft, two CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles, and one H-225 multi-role helicopter.
According to the Air Force, the new assets are expected to significantly enhance its capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), precision strike operations, close air support, air mobility, and the transportation of personnel and equipment.
In an interview published by Defence Correspondent Magazine in October 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the modernisation drive is focused on developing sustainable operational capabilities rather than simply expanding the fleet.
“The modernisation programme is progressing steadily, and our approach is centred on long-term capability development rather than the acquisition of platforms alone,” Aneke stated.
He reiterated that several aircraft and UAVs remain scheduled for delivery under the broader programme, including the M-346, AH-1Z, Aksungur, AW109 Trekker, T-129 ATAK, CASA C-295, CH-4D, and H-225 platforms.
Aneke also confirmed that the NAF received five helicopters in September 2026, consisting of three AW109 Trekker helicopters and two H125 helicopters.
He explained that the AW109 Trekker is designed to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, close air support, armed reconnaissance, and combat search-and-rescue operations. The H125 helicopters, he added, will improve rotary-wing fleet availability and provide greater operational flexibility across multiple theatres.
“During the period under review, the Air Force took delivery of five helicopters, comprising three AW109 Trekkers and two H125s. These platforms enhance mission readiness and expand our operational options across a range of assignments,” he said.
The Air Chief stressed that acquisition alone does not guarantee capability, noting that aircraft effectiveness depends on serviceability, maintenance support, and the availability of adequately trained personnel.
“Our priority extends beyond receiving new aircraft. We are focused on ensuring every platform is properly inducted, crewed, maintained, and fully integrated into operational service,” he said.
He identified predictive maintenance and efficient logistics support as critical factors in sustaining fleet readiness and maximising operational value throughout each platform’s lifecycle.
According to Aneke, the objective of the programme is to address critical capability gaps, improve operational flexibility, and equip commanders with mission-specific assets suited to evolving security demands.
He added that the initiative is aimed at building a balanced, technologically advanced Air Force with enhanced capacity for precision strikes, intelligence gathering, air mobility, and other operations required to tackle Nigeria’s changing security environment.
