One Year in Office: Aneke’s NAF Expands Fleet, Completes 145 Projects, Trains 6,000 Personnel
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has recorded major operational and institutional gains under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, including more than 6,100 flying hours, 2,900 sorties and the completion of 145 infrastructure projects.
The achievements come as Aneke prepares to mark his first anniversary in office on October 30, 2026, with the Service highlighting progress in combat operations, personnel welfare, aircraft acquisition, professional training and indigenous technology.
In a statement, the NAF disclosed that its operations between November 2025 and September 2026 consumed close to 10 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel and supported national security missions across various operational theatres.
The missions included precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support, with the Service emphasising the use of actionable intelligence to guide operational planning and improve mission effectiveness.
The NAF said its operational strategy was designed to degrade hostile elements, disrupt their activities and strengthen the effectiveness of surface forces through coordinated military operations.
Personnel Welfare, Promotions Take Centre Stage
Personnel welfare has remained a major component of Aneke’s leadership philosophy, captured in the principle of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare.”
The approach has informed efforts to improve allowances, medical services, accommodation and supporting infrastructure, alongside the restoration of welfare airlift services for personnel serving in frontline operational theatres.
The Service also announced promotions for thousands of personnel as part of efforts to recognise professional service and support career progression.
According to the NAF, 57 senior officers were promoted to Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore, while 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers advanced to higher ranks.
Training activities also received attention, with more than 550 personnel participating in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 personnel underwent local training to improve technical skills, specialised competencies and leadership capacity.
Five Helicopters Added to Fleet
In a major step towards expanding operational capacity, the NAF received five helicopters in September 2026.
The delivery comprised three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters, which the Service said would expand its operational flexibility and support capabilities.
The NAF is also pursuing the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, alongside other planned aircraft and unmanned aerial systems intended to improve combat operations, airlift, training and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Efforts to sustain existing platforms have continued, including the reactivation and upgrade of six L-39ZA aircraft in Slovakia and Nigeria, as well as ongoing maintenance of a C-130 aircraft in Portugal.
The Service said these initiatives were complemented by investments in technical support, indigenous upgrades and emerging aviation technologies.
NAF Strengthens Safety, Accountability
Beyond operational expansion, the Air Force has introduced measures aimed at strengthening aviation safety, operational accountability and responsible airpower employment.
These include the establishment of an Operational and Safety Audit Committee to support independent assessments of operational, engineering and armament units.
The Service is also strengthening its Safety Management System through proactive risk management, leadership engagement and data-driven safety practices.
In addition, it is advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response initiatives through dedicated structures, standardised training and improved assessment and investigation capabilities.
Plans to establish an Open-Source Intelligence Centre are also underway to improve situational awareness and support operational decision-making through better use of available information.
145 Infrastructure Projects Completed
Infrastructure development has emerged as another key area of progress, with the NAF approving 284 projects across its formations.
The Service disclosed that 145 projects had been completed, while 139 were still ongoing.
The projects cover accommodation, schools, medical facilities, administrative and operational buildings, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational facilities.
According to the NAF, the investments are intended to improve personnel welfare while strengthening the operational and institutional capacity of the Service.
The Air Force is also working to expand local production and technical innovation through initiatives involving Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges, a 250-kilogram bomb-loading trolley and locally produced 57-millimetre rockets currently undergoing development and ground testing.
Community-oriented healthcare, educational and other special projects have equally continued to support civil-military relations and build public confidence.
As Aneke approaches his first anniversary, the NAF said its focus remains on converting investments in personnel, platforms, training, technology and infrastructure into measurable improvements in operational effectiveness.
The Service added that joint operations, strategic partnerships, professional development and improved aircraft maintenance would remain important to its efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining a professional, accountable and mission-ready force capable of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting national security objectives.
The NAF said its overarching goal remains stronger airpower, safer skies and a more secure Nigeria.
