AH1Z VIPER HELICOPTERS: CAS Leads Delegation to US to Expedites Acquisition
Oru Leonard
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has led a high-level delegation to the United States to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The Programme Management Review Meeting was held in San Diego, California, from June 9-13, 2025.
The NAF expressed gratitude to the US Government for its enduring strategic partnership, which will significantly enhance the NAF’s combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.
The CAS emphasized the NAF’s commitment to ensuring the platforms are delivered in the shortest possible time, facilitating a seamless procurement and integration process.
He visited Camp Pendleton, California, to understand best practices for operating, sustaining, and logistically supporting the AH-1Z platform from the US Marine Corps.
The acquisition of AH-1Z Viper helicopters will boost the NAF’s firepower and operational capabilities for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. Again, it will enhance the NAF’s ability to respond to security threats and protect innocent lives and property.¹
The $455 million contract for the 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters was awarded to Bell Textron in March 2024. The deal includes associated engineering, program management, and logistics support, with work expected to be completed by July 2028.
