TERRORISM: Nigerian Airforce Chief Spearheads US Talks To Fast Track More Fighter Helicopters Deployment

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led a high-level Programme Management Review engagement with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, USA aimed at accelerating the delivery of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The engagement underscores the NAF’s deliberate effort to enhance its operational capacity 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 engagement, 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 noted that the programme represents more than a capability upgrade, describing it as a testament to the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, anchored on mutual trust, shared values, and a common commitment to regional and global security.

The CAS also charged the programme management team to remain focused, innovative, and disciplined to ensure timely delivery of the helicopters within approved timelines and budget.

The CAS 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, noting that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters will significantly enhance the Service’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.

He added that the advanced platforms will enable the NAF to conduct highly precise operations, provide responsive support to ground forces, protect lives and property, and more effectively eliminate terrorist and criminal threats, while sustaining public trust and confidence in the professionalism of the Nigerian Air Force.