The United States has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its high level of preparedness ahead of the delivery of AH-1Z helicopters to Nigeria.
The commendation was conveyed by the leader of the U.S. delegation from PMA-276, Robert Galan, during a three-day high-level engagement with senior NAF officials at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja on Thursday.
On January 6, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a programme management review meeting with senior U.S. government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron in San Diego, California, to accelerate the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters from the United States.
During the engagement, Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Messrs Bell Textron for their continued cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of the helicopter acquisition programme.
He said the structured review reflected the NAF’s deliberate emphasis on programme discipline, accountability, and results.
He noted that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters represents more than a platform upgrade but also a reflection of the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
A statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the latest meeting between the U.S delegation and NAF’s officers focused on the comprehensive Programme and Support Plan designed to ensure seamless integration, sustainment, and operational effectiveness of the incoming fleet.
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According to the statement, Chief of Air Staff, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering commitment to aligning all operational, technical, and logistical requirements to guarantee immediate operational readiness upon delivery of the aircraft.
“The engagement underscores the steady advancement of Nigeria–United States defence cooperation, anchored on mutual trust, shared security objectives, and institutional professionalism,” the statement said.
It said the commendation reflects international recognition of the NAF’s meticulous planning, strategic foresight, and disciplined modernization drive under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff.
“Beyond fleet acquisition, this collaboration strengthens Nigeria’s airpower capability, reinforces national security architecture, and contributes meaningfully to broader national stability and sustainable development,” the statement said.