Nigeria has taken another step towards adding 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters to its Air Force fleet.
The development followed a beam-signing ceremony involving the Nigerian Air Force and Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, led the Nigerian delegation at the event.
Bell confirmed that the ceremony marked the start of production of the aircraft for Nigeria.
The development comes shortly after the Nigerian Air Force received five other helicopters.
Those aircraft were delivered as part of ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s airpower capacity.
The latest AH-1Z Viper acquisition is part of Nigeria’s defence cooperation with the United States.
It also forms part of the Federal Government’s wider plan to modernise the Armed Forces.
According to NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the programme is aimed at improving Nigeria’s response to security challenges.
Aneke described the latest development as an important milestone for the Nigerian Air Force.
He said:
“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.”
The Air Force said the programme supports the Chief of the Air Staff’s goal of building a stronger and more prepared service.
Aneke also thanked the United States Government, Bell Textron and other partners involved in the programme.
He stressed the need for continued cooperation, technical support and professional development.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation also toured Bell’s production facility in Amarillo.
Bell said the first production aircraft for Nigeria was marked during the ceremony.
The company also stated that production of the 12 aircraft is expected to be completed in early 2029.
The AH-1Z Viper acquisition adds to recent steps by Nigeria to expand and modernise its aviation fleet.
The Nigerian Air Force received three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two H-125 helicopters earlier in September.
The latest development highlights Nigeria’s continued defence partnership with the United States.
