NAF to Acquire 67 New Aircraft and Drones

​As part of an ongoing fleet modernisation programme, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to take delivery of 67 additional aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen its operational capabilities across the country.
​The move follows the recent delivery of five new helicopters in September 2026—comprising three AW109 Trekker helicopters and two H125 helicopters—aimed at boosting reconnaissance capacity and rotary-wing availability.
​Breakdown of Expected Deliveries
​In an interview published by Defence Correspondent Magazine, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, outlined the forthcoming acquisitions designed to close critical capability gaps in air combat, surveillance, and troop transport:
​24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft
​12 AH-1Z attack helicopters
​12 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs)
​7 AW109 Trekker helicopters
​6 T-129 ATAK helicopters
​3 CASA C-295 medium airlifters
​2 CH-4D unmanned aerial vehicles
​1 H-225 multi-role helicopter
​Focus on Sustenance and Operational Readiness
​Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that the NAF is approaching the expansion as a long-term capability strategy rather than a simple procurement exercise.
​“Our focus is therefore not simply on how many aircraft have arrived, but on ensuring that they are properly inducted, crewed, maintained and integrated into the operational structure,” Aneke said.
​He noted that predictive maintenance and efficient logistics pipelines will be prioritized to ensure high aircraft availability and keep the fleet operational across various conflict zones.