By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Bell Textron to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The meeting, which held from January 5 to 6, 2026, in San Diego, California, focused on enhancing the operational capacity of the NAF in line with the service’s ongoing capability development efforts. The helicopter acquisition is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s airpower and improving support for ground operations in addressing security challenges.
Speaking during the engagement, Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Bell Textron for their cooperation, professionalism and transparency in the execution of the programme.
He said the review underscored the NAF’s emphasis on programme discipline, accountability and timely delivery of critical military assets.
The CAS described the AH-1Z helicopter acquisition as a reflection of the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, noting that the partnership is founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional and global security. He reaffirmed the NAF’s determination to ensure the helicopters are delivered on schedule and within budget, while urging the programme management team to work proactively to meet set timelines and standards.
Air Marshal Aneke also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force. He said the helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, precision strike capacity and mission readiness, enabling more effective operations, reduced collateral damage and improved protection of lives and property in affected communities.
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