Nigerian Air Force to Purchase 49 New Aircraft Before End of 2026

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has revealed that the Nigerian Air Force is set to purchase 49 state-of-the-art aircraft by the end of 2026.

He disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the opening of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference themed, “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.”  held at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

The new aircraft would include three CASA 295 transport aircraft, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter aircraft.

This is in addition to 15 brand-new aircraft purchased by the Air Force in the last two years, including six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air aircraft, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance planes.

“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively.

“In the last two years, the NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar said.

Air Marshal Abubakar further revealed that significant investments have been made in logistics, spare parts, and ground support tools to maintain and upgrade existing aircraft and ensure all operable platforms are fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.