The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has concluded a two-day high-level strategic engagement in the United States aimed at accelerating the delivery of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The Programme Management Review (PMR) meeting brought together senior United States Government officials and representatives from the aircraft manufacturer, Messrs Bell Textron.
Discussions focused on streamlining production timelines and ensuring the advanced platforms are delivered within the approved budget and schedule.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS described the acquisition as a critical component of his command philosophy.
He emphasized that the program is designed to build a “highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force” capable of delivering decisive airpower in collaboration with surface forces.
”This programme represents more than a capability upgrade; it is a testament to the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States,” Air Marshal Aneke stated during the review. He noted that the collaboration is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional and global security.
The AH-1Z Viper is expected to significantly modernize the NAF’s fleet. The advanced helicopters will provide:
Enhanced Precision: Improved targeting systems to conduct strikes with minimal collateral damage.
Support for Ground Forces: Increased operational efficiency in supporting troops during counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
Mission Readiness: A boost in the Service’s capacity to eliminate criminal threats and protect civilian lives.
Air Marshal Aneke also expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support of the Nigerian Air Force.
He charged the programme management team to remain “focused, innovative, and disciplined” to ensure the successful induction of the aircraft into the NAF inventory.
The engagement underscores Nigeria’s deliberate effort to strengthen its security architecture through modern technology and international defense cooperation.
