The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has advanced its plan to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to tackle terrorism and other security threats.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, led a Nigerian Air Force delegation to Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas, where a beam-signing ceremony was held to mark a major milestone in the acquisition programme.
The AH-1Z Viper helicopters are being manufactured by Bell Textron for the Nigerian Air Force. Production of the aircraft began in September 2026, with completion of the programme expected in early 2029.
Speaking on the acquisition, Aneke described the programme as an important step towards building a more capable and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.
He said the helicopters would strengthen the service’s ability to deliver airpower in coordination with ground forces in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
The Viper helicopters are expected to provide additional attack and close-air-support capabilities for military operations, particularly in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency missions.
The acquisition was first approved by the United States government under a Foreign Military Sales programme. Reports have valued the aircraft contract at about $455 million, while an earlier broader US approval covering helicopters, weapons, training and related support was valued at close to $1 billion.
The latest development forms part of the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing efforts to modernise its fleet and expand its operational capabilities amid persistent security challenges across the country.
The delivery of the helicopters will take place after the manufacturing programme is completed.
