The United States Government has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its high level of preparedness ahead of the delivery of the AH-1Z helicopters, including the readiness of designated facilities where the aircraft will be based.
The commendation was conveyed during a three-day high-level engagement between a US Government delegation from PMA-276, led by Robert Galan, and senior NAF officials at Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.
TheFact Daily recalls that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had early last month, led high-level discussions in the United States to facilitate the acquisition of 12 advanced AH-1Z attack helicopters, underscoring NAF’s deliberate efforts in continuing to strengthen its operational capabilities in line with his Command Philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
Discussions on Thursday centred on the comprehensive Programme and Support Plan aimed at ensuring seamless integration, sustainment and operational effectiveness of the incoming fleet.
Air Marshal Aneke, who was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to aligning operational, technical and logistical frameworks to guarantee immediate readiness upon delivery of the aircraft.
According to the Service, the engagement highlights the growing strength of defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, built on shared security objectives and institutional collaboration.
The AH-1Z attack helicopters, manufactured by Bell Textron, are expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s close air support and precision strike capabilities.
Observers say the commendation signals international confidence in the Nigerian Air Force’s modernization efforts and its structured approach to fleet induction, sustainment planning and long-term operational efficiency.
