The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up efforts to speed up the delivery of its much-anticipated fleet of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, following high-level engagements with officials of the United States Government and aircraft manufacturer Bell Textron.
The discussions took place during a Programme Management Review meeting held in San Diego, California, from January 5 to 6, 2026.
The delegation was led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and focused on assessing the progress of the helicopter acquisition programme and resolving any issues that could delay delivery.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 8, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame explained that the review was convened to strengthen oversight of the project, ensure accountability, and reinforce compliance with agreed timelines and budgetary provisions.
According to Ejodame, the meeting forms part of the Air Force’s broader strategy to significantly upgrade its combat capabilities and maintain operational readiness in the face of evolving security threats.
“The Programme Management Review provided an opportunity to evaluate the status of the AH-1Z acquisition and align all stakeholders towards achieving timely and successful delivery of the platforms,” the statement noted.
Air Marshal Aneke described the helicopter programme as a critical pillar of his command philosophy, which prioritizes building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in close coordination with ground forces.
He commended both the United States Government and Bell Textron for their cooperation and transparency throughout the process, noting that the structured engagement reflects the NAF’s emphasis on discipline, results, and effective programme execution.
“The professionalism demonstrated by our partners reinforces our confidence in this collaboration. We remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the helicopters are delivered as scheduled,” the Air Chief said.
Beyond the operational benefits, Aneke highlighted the acquisition as a symbol of the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States. He said the programme underscores shared commitments to regional stability, collective security, and the peaceful resolution of emerging threats.
“This collaboration reflects our mutual determination to address complex security challenges through sustained capability development and trusted partnerships,” he added.
Reiterating the urgency attached to the project, the CAS assured US officials that the NAF would take every necessary step to support smooth production and delivery. He also tasked the programme management team with ensuring strict adherence to quality standards, timelines, and financial discipline.
“Meeting deadlines must go hand in hand with meeting standards. Innovation, focus, and proactive problem-solving will remain our guiding principles,” Aneke stressed.
Presidential Backing and Operational Impact
Air Marshal Aneke also acknowledged the strong backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, describing his support as instrumental to the Air Force’s modernization drive.
He explained that the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s strike capability, improve mission efficiency, and strengthen support for ground operations.
The advanced systems on the aircraft, he noted, would allow for precision strikes, minimize collateral damage, and provide rapid response to troops engaged in counterterrorism and internal security operations.
According to the CAS, these capabilities would contribute to protecting lives and property in communities affected by insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities, while reinforcing public confidence in the military.
He further assured Nigerians that the Air Force remains committed to conducting operations with professionalism, restraint, and accountability.
Background to the Deal
Nigeria’s plan to acquire the AH-1Z attack helicopters received approval from the United States Government in April 2022, when the U.S. State Department, through the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, authorized a potential Foreign Military Sale of the aircraft and associated equipment.
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The formal production and delivery contract, valued at approximately $455 million, was awarded to Bell Textron by the U.S. Department of Defense on March 12, 2024.
