Senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have met with officials of the United States Government and representatives of Bell Textron to review progress on the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters.
The engagement took place during a Programme Management Review held from January 5 to 6, 2026, in San Diego, California, and was led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, according to an official statement released on Thursday by the NAF.
The statement, issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the meeting assessed the current status of the helicopter acquisition programme and examined measures aimed at ensuring timely delivery of the platforms.
According to the NAF, the review was convened to strengthen 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, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, USA,” 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 and sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the attainment of national security objectives,” it added.
The statement said Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Bell Textron for their cooperation, professionalism, and transparency during the execution of the programme.
“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,” the CAS was quoted as saying.
The NAF stated that the CAS described the acquisition as a reflection of ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, noting that the programme represents a shared commitment to security collaboration.
According to the statement, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to taking necessary steps within its mandate to support the delivery process and directed the programme management team to work proactively within approved parameters.
“Timelines and standards must be met concurrently. We must remain focused, innovative, and solutions-driven,” the CAS said.
The statement also said the CAS acknowledged the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, towards the Nigerian Air Force.
