NAF conducts tests of three Trekker helicopters in Italy before delivery
The Nigerian Air Force has successfully completed factory acceptance tests on three Trekker Type B helicopters at Leonardo Helicopters’ facility in Vergiate, Italy, ahead of their delivery to Nigeria.
The tests, conducted between June 29 and July 3, were carried out by a delegation comprising officials of the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the exercise enabled the Nigerian delegation to conduct comprehensive inspections and flight evaluations to confirm that the helicopters met all contractual specifications and operational requirements before delivery.
According to him, the successful completion of the tests marks another milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme and underscores its commitment to inducting only reliable, mission ready platforms capable of delivering effective air power across the full spectrum of military operations.
Ejodame said the exercise also reflected the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s air power capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.
He explained that once inducted into service, the Trekker helicopters would significantly boost the Air Force’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, close air support, armed escort missions, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint air operations in support of ground forces.
According to him, the addition of the helicopters to the NAF fleet is expected to improve operational responsiveness, expand mission reach and enhance the effectiveness of ongoing counter terrorism, counter insurgency and anti banditry operations across the country.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the successful completion of the acceptance tests, describing them as another significant step in strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force.
He noted that the changing nature of contemporary security threats requires agile, technologically advanced and mission ready air capabilities capable of supporting ongoing military operations nationwide.
Aneke added that the induction of the helicopters would further enhance the Air Force’s ability to deliver decisive air power in coordination with ground forces, deny criminal elements freedom of operation and improve security across the country.