In a renewed push to tighten Nigeria’s air combat edge against insurgents and terrorist groups, the Federal Government has begun steps to expand the strike capacity of the Nigerian Air Force with the planned acquisition of advanced attack helicopters from the United States.
At the centre of the latest effort is a proposal to procure 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, a move aimed at boosting close-air support, precision strikes and rapid response in Nigeria’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns.
The helicopters are expected to enhance the Air Force’s ability to respond swiftly to evolving security threats across different theatres of operation. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, recently took the initiative to advance the process by leading a Programme Management Review meeting in San Diego, California.
The high-level engagement brought together senior officials of the U.S. government and representatives of Bell Textron, the American aerospace firm responsible for manufacturing the AH-1Z platform.
The meeting focused on technical evaluations, delivery timelines and operational requirements, as Nigeria seeks to ensure that the proposed platforms align with its current and future security needs.
Officials familiar with the discussions said the review underscored Nigeria’s determination to modernise its air fleet and deepen defence cooperation with strategic partners.
The planned acquisition forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force through modern equipment, improved interoperability and sustained capacity building, particularly as asymmetric threats continue to challenge national security.
If concluded, the deal would mark another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing investment in air power as a critical tool in restoring stability and safeguarding lives across the country.
