Senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF have met with top United States Government officials and representatives of Bell Textron to accelerate the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
The engagement took place during a Programme Management Review (PMR) meeting led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the meeting focused on evaluating the status of the helicopter programme and identifying measures to ensure the timely delivery of the platforms.
According to Ejodame, the review was aimed at strengthening programme oversight, accountability, and adherence to agreed timelines and budgetary provisions.
“In a strategic move to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior U.S. Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron,” the statement said.
“The engagement focused on fast-tracking the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, a critical capability enhancement aligned with the CAS’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force.”
Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Bell Textron for their cooperation, professionalism, and transparency throughout the acquisition process, noting that the structured review underscores the NAF’s emphasis on discipline, accountability, and results.
“We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” he said.
The CAS further described the acquisition as more than a platform upgrade, noting that it reflects the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, anchored on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for regional and global security.
“This partnership speaks to our collective resolve to confront evolving security challenges through collaboration and sustained capability development,” Aneke added.
Reaffirming the NAF’s sense of urgency, the CAS assured the U.S. team that his administration would take all necessary steps to ensure the helicopters are delivered in the shortest possible time. He also charged the programme management team to remain proactive and solutions-driven to meet production timelines and budgetary standards.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He stated that the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness, enabling precision strikes, reduced collateral damage, and improved support to ground forces.
The CAS reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s commitment to combating terrorism and criminality with professionalism, restraint, and accountability while maintaining public trust.
Nigeria’s planned acquisition of the 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters was first approved by the United States Government in April 2022, following clearance by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency for a possible Foreign Military Sale.
The formal production and delivery contract, valued at approximately $455 million, was awarded to Bell Textron by the U.S. Department of Defense on 12 March 2024.
