NAF Signs Key Agreement for 12 US-Made Viper Helicopters

The Nigerian Federal Government has taken a major step towards acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reached the milestone following a beam-signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led the Nigerian delegation at the ceremony, which marked another step in the implementation of the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme.

According to a statement issued by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security capabilities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the AH-1Z Viper helicopters would improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He described the acquisition as an important milestone in efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke also said the programme was consistent with his command philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering airpower in coordination with ground forces to achieve national security objectives.

He stressed the need to ensure that the new capabilities translate into improved operational effectiveness in support of Nigeria’s security objectives.

The Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his strategic leadership and support for strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.

He also acknowledged the continued cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.

During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.

The development comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force received five new helicopters as part of efforts to modernise its airpower capabilities. The aircraft comprised three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.