Nigerian Air Force Set to Acquire 49 Advanced Aircraft by 2026 — Air Chief
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will take delivery of 49 cutting-edge aircraft by the end of 2026 as part of a major expansion plan, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar said the new additions will significantly enhance the NAF’s operational capacity and modern warfare capabilities. The conference, hosted at the NAF Headquarters, is themed “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.”
Among the aircraft expected are three CASA 295 transport planes, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 light fighter jets. These platforms, the air chief noted, are highly sophisticated and will require advanced maintenance frameworks and skilled technical personnel to keep them mission-ready.
This planned acquisition builds on recent progress, which includes the induction of 15 new aircraft over the past two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air surveillance planes, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance aircraft.
“These are not just aircraft—they are complex systems that demand equally complex maintenance capabilities,” Abubakar said, emphasizing the need for innovation and a data-driven approach to maintenance and logistics.
He stated that while the NAF’s combat strength has grown considerably in recent years, sustaining this momentum will require a robust and responsive support system. He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to developing engineering capacity and fostering a strong culture of aircraft maintenance.
To that end, the CAS revealed that significant investments are already underway in spare parts procurement, logistics systems, and ground support equipment to ensure maximum aircraft availability by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Also addressing participants at the conference, the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, described engineering as the foundation of the Air Force’s effectiveness. He said evolving security challenges make it essential for the NAF to adopt proactive maintenance strategies.
According to Amodu, the conference provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the development of forward-thinking approaches that will improve aircraft serviceability and boost overall mission readiness.
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