The Nigerian Air Force has taken a major step towards the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters following a beam signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a NAF delegation to the ceremony, which marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States Government defence cooperation programme.
According to a statement on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s defence and security architecture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the acquisition would enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces. 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.
He said the programme aligned with his command philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture, and also acknowledged the support of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders.
