The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completed the local reassembly of its first two H125 helicopters at its base in Ikeja, Lagos.
The helicopters, recently delivered by Airbus Helicopters, were reassembled locally with technical support from Airbus personnel.
The Air Force said the exercise is aimed at strengthening the technical capacity of its personnel and deepening its partnership with the aircraft manufacturer.
The NAF said the reassembly provided its personnel with practical exposure to the support and maintenance of modern rotary-wing platforms, while facilitating knowledge transfer.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the development as a step towards strengthening the service’s technical and operational capabilities.
“Beyond acquiring modern platforms, we are committed to developing the knowledge, partnerships and support systems required to maximise their operational value and sustain them throughout their service life,” Aneke said.
The Air Force said the H125 helicopters would provide additional capability for ongoing air operations, including surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational support missions.
The service said the local reassembly formed part of efforts to enhance technical self-reliance and improve the sustainability of its aircraft fleet.
The NAF also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its fleet modernisation and efforts to strengthen national security capabilities.
