The NAF announced the development in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that the helicopters were supplied by Airbus Helicopters and reassembled locally with the assistance of technical personnel from the manufacturer.

According to the service, the exercise is expected to deepen technical cooperation between the Nigerian Air Force and Airbus while providing NAF personnel with valuable hands-on experience in the maintenance and support of modern rotary-wing aircraft.

NAF Highlights Knowledge Transfer

The local reassembly exercise is also expected to promote knowledge transfer and build the capacity of Nigerian aviation personnel to better support the helicopters throughout their operational lifespan.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the development as an important step towards strengthening the technical and operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.

He stressed that acquiring modern aircraft must go hand in hand with developing the technical expertise, partnerships and support systems required to keep them operational.

H125 Helicopters to Support Air Operations

The NAF said the newly reassembled H125 helicopters would add to its operational capabilities in areas including surveillance, tactical mobility and other support missions.

The helicopters are expected to complement ongoing air operations while providing additional flexibility for missions requiring rotary-wing platforms.

The service said the development forms part of broader efforts to improve its fleet and strengthen its ability to respond to national security requirements.

NAF Acknowledges Federal Government Support

The Nigerian Air Force also acknowledged the continued support and strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government's focus on strengthening national security capabilities has contributed to ongoing fleet modernisation and improvements in operational effectiveness.

The local reassembly of the H125 helicopters is expected to further expose NAF personnel to modern aviation technologies while strengthening the technical foundation required to maintain and operate the platforms effectively.

The development also highlights the growing importance of local technical capacity in sustaining Nigeria's military aviation assets and reducing dependence on external maintenance support.