The acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters is a major milestone for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has said.
Aneke stated this when he led a NAF delegation to Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States, for the beam signing ceremony.
This was contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the milestone marks an important step in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States defence cooperation programme and Nigeria’s ongoing armed forces modernisation drive.
Aneke said the acquisition reflects the strategic vision of the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s defence and security architecture and equip the armed forces with the platforms needed to tackle current and emerging threats.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to strengthening national defence.
“The acquisition demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and ensuring that NAF remains adequately positioned to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission ready Nigerian Air Force,” Aneke added.
He said the procurement aligns with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.
Aneke stressed the need for personnel to ensure the new capabilities translate to enhanced operational effectiveness.
He also appreciated the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management of Air 276 and other stakeholders in the AH-1Z programme, noting that sustained defence cooperation and technical collaboration remain critical to its success.
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