FG Inducts Two New Agusta 109 Trekker Helicopters into Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet
Oru Leonard
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inducted two new Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet, boosting its combat capabilities. The induction ceremony was part of activities marking the NAF’s 61st anniversary and took place at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron in Abuja.
The ceremony was held on May 16, 2025 at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron, Abuja.
The Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters are versatile, light twin-engine multi-role aircraft suitable for training, battlefield operations, emergency response missions, and humanitarian assistance.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, during his remarks emphasized that, security remains a top priority for his administration, and the NAF plays a crucial role in maintaining national security.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing the Armed Forces, citing recent procurements like Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and King Air 360i platforms.
Tinubu stressed that economic prosperity and justice cannot thrive in an insecure environment, emphasizing the need for a well-equipped military.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noted that “this induction ceremony of the helicopters was not merely about adding new helicopters to our fleet, but a “strategic statement of intent, a demonstration of our collective resolve to defend our nation and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in Africa.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar noted that the new helicopters will enhance the NAF’s operational effectiveness, supporting joint operations, air reconnaissance, close air support, and humanitarian missions.
He described the induction as a significant leap in the NAF’s modernization efforts, enabling efficient mission delivery and responsiveness.
About the A109S TREKKER Helicopter
The AgustaWestland AW109, specifically the A-109S Trekker model, is manufactured by Leonardo, formerly known as AgustaWestland. This Italian aerospace company designed the AW109 as a lightweight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter. Over time, the company has undergone several transformations, from Agusta to AgustaWestland, and now Leonardo.
Key Manufacturers Involved:
- Leonardo: The current manufacturer, responsible for producing and developing the AW109 series, including the A-109S Trekker.
- AgustaWestland: Previously responsible for the AW109 series before merging into Leonardo.
- PZL-Świdnik: A Polish aerospace company that manufactures AW109 fuselages since the mid-1990s.
The AW109 Trekker features skid landing gear and is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C engines with FADEC systems. Its avionics are designed for single-pilot operations, making it versatile for various roles. (Source: Meta)
