In furtherance to boosting the airpower assets of the NAF to tackle current and emerging security threats in the country, the Nigerian Airforce is set to induct two new Augusta 109 Westland Attack helicopters into combat operations.
The induction of the helicopters will bring to four, the number of the Augusta 109 attack helicopters procured by the federal government.
Confirming the acquisition, Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to induct the second batch of 2 new Agusta Westland 109 Power Attack Helicopters procured by the Federal Government as part of the fleet enhancement efforts to enable more effective and efficient employment of airpower to tackle the security challenges facing the Nation.
“The 2 helicopters, along with associated equipment and spares, arrived Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja on board a Boeing 737-400 Cargolux Airline aircraft from Malpensa International Airport in Italy on 15 January 2020.
“They were received by a NAF Team, led by Air Commodore Halim Adebowale, as well as the Country Representative of Leonardo Helicopters, manufacturers of the aircraft.
“NAF engineers and technicians, in collaboration with a Team from Leonardo, have commenced assembly of the helicopters preparatory to their induction into service.
