The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has formally completed factory acceptance testing on three additional AgustaWestland AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at Leonardo Helicopters’ manufacturing facility in Vergiate, Italy. The completion of testing brings the NAF’s ready Trekker fleet to six of ten ordered units, moving the light twin-engine platforms closer to operational deployment in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across Nigeria.
The rigorous acceptance process was conducted by a joint delegation comprising representatives from the NAF and Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence. Led by senior technical officers, the team executed comprehensive static inspections and flight evaluations to verify that each airframe fully satisfied contractual specifications and operational requirements prior to overseas shipment. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition, noting that the evolving nature of regional security threats requires agile, technologically advanced and mission-ready air assets.
The induction of these light utility platforms builds upon a broader fleet modernization initiative initiated under previous air force leadership. Following the initial arrival of two AW109 Power variants in April 2019 and a second pair in January 2020, NAF leadership finalized a comprehensive deal with Leonardo in October 2024 for ten additional AW109 Trekkers alongside 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack aircraft. Once all deliveries are completed, the NAF will operate a total inventory of 12 Trekker airframes. The platform has also gained traction across Nigeria’s broader defence architecture, with the Nigerian Navy taking delivery of three units in November 2024 for maritime security and coastal patrol duties.
The skid-equipped AW109 Trekker variant offers significant operational advantages over legacy wheeled designs, simplifying operations on unpaved or unprepared landing strips in remote theatres such as the Niger Delta and northern provinces. Configured for multi-role versatility, the Type B airframes support electro-optical and infrared sensor turrets, night reconnaissance searchlights, external weapons mounts for rocket or machine-gun pods, combat search and rescue equipment and medical evacuation systems. In parallel with hardware acquisition, NAF technicians completed specialized maintenance and diagnostics training at Leonardo’s Sesto Calende facility, establishing local support capabilities aimed at maintaining fleet availability and streamlining supply chain logistics across the service.
