NAF Boosts Rotary-Wing Capability as First Two H125 Helicopters Reassembled Locally
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully completed the local reassembly of its first two H125 helicopters at NAF Base Ikeja, Lagos, following their delivery by Airbus.
The reassembly exercise was conducted with the support of Airbus technical personnel and is expected to strengthen technical collaboration, promote knowledge transfer and provide NAF personnel with practical experience in the support and maintenance of modern rotary-wing platforms.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the development as a significant step towards enhancing the NAF’s technical and operational capabilities.
According to him, the Service is focused not only on acquiring modern platforms but also on developing the technical knowledge, partnerships and support systems needed to maximise their operational value throughout their service life.
“Beyond acquiring modern platforms, we are committed to developing the knowledge, partnerships and support systems required to maximise their operational value and sustain them throughout their service life,” Aneke said.
The newly reassembled H125 helicopters are expected to provide additional capability for ongoing NAF operations, including surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational support missions.
The NAF said the development also reflects its continued efforts to enhance fleet modernisation, technical expertise and operational readiness.
The Service further appreciated the support and strategic direction of the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration, it said, remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s national security capabilities.
The local reassembly of the helicopters also represents another step towards deepening technical cooperation and building indigenous capacity in the maintenance and sustainment of modern military aviation platforms.
