CHIEF OF AIR STAFF LEADS NAF DELEGATION TO TEXAS, USA ON ACQUISITION OF 12 AH-1Z VIPER ATTACK HELICOPTERS

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States, for a beam-signing ceremony marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.

The ceremony forms part of the Nigeria–United States defence cooperation programme and represents progress in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its Armed Forces and strengthen its airpower capabilities.  

During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at Bell’s Amarillo facility. Bell confirmed that production of the first aircraft for Nigeria has commenced under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales programme. The company is contracted to manufacture and deliver all 12 helicopters, together with associated engineering, programme management and logistics support.  

Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the U.S. Government, Bell Textron and other stakeholders involved in the programme.  

The NAF said the acquisition is intended to provide the Service with additional capabilities to address current and emerging security threats, particularly in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. Bell has indicated that production of the Nigerian aircraft is expected to be completed in early 2029.