The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed a new group of specialist technicians to operational units following the completion of an intensive six-week maintenance program on the AgustaWestland AW109 Trekker helicopter in Italy.
The training took place at the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Sesto Calende from 12 January to 20 February 2026. This initiative, led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, focused on advanced maintenance and system diagnostics for the twin-engine platform. The personnel have now returned to Nigeria to support fleet availability across various active theatres of operation.
The program followed the recent expansion of the NAF rotary wing fleet. On 16 May 2025, President Bola Tinubu inducted two new AW109 Trekkers into service to bolster counterinsurgency and internal security efforts. These airframes joined an existing inventory that includes the AW109 Power and LuH (Light Utility Helicopter) variants, which have served as the backbone of NAF light tactical operations for several years.
Nigeria has steadily increased its reliance on the AW109 series. The NAF previously inducted two AW109 Power helicopters on 29 April 2019, followed by a second batch of two on 15 January 2020. While the NAF remains the primary operator with a planned total of 12 Trekker units, the Nigerian Navy also received three AW109 Trekkers from the Ministry of Defence on 12 November 2024 to support maritime security.
In 2018, the then Nigerian Air Force placed an order for six Leonardo AW109 helicopters, according to the Nigerian Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said during a visit to Kano Air Base on 8 December,
where he examined the capabilities of the 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS) and 465 Nigerian Air Force Hospital (465 NAFH).
The AW109 Trekker is a light, twin-engine helicopter designed for rugged environments. It is the first Leonardo helicopter in its class to feature fixed skid landing gear rather than wheels. This design allows the aircraft to land on soft or uneven terrain where wheeled aircraft might sink, making it suitable for the austere landing zones often found in north-east Nigeria.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C engines, the Trekker uses Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) to manage performance. This system provides high power margins, which are vital for “hot and high” operations where thin, warm air can degrade engine lift. The aircraft maintains a maximum cruise speed of 281 km/h and a range of 833 kilometers.
The helicopter is Category A Class 1 certified, meaning it can safely continue flight or land if one engine fails during takeoff or landing. For NAF missions, the modular cabin can be reconfigured for multiple roles. In medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) setups, it carries two stretchers and medical staff, while its utility configuration includes a 1,400 kg cargo hook and a 272 kg rescue hoist.
Technical proficiency for ground crews is a notable factor in maintaining these capabilities. The Sesto Calende training provided NAF personnel with hands-on experience in managing critical subsystems and electronic diagnostics. This expertise aims to reduce aircraft downtime by allowing local technicians to handle complex repairs that previously might have required external support.
The NAF currently operates approximately 15 units of the older A109E/LUH variants alongside the newer Trekkers. Integrating the Trekker provides a more robust airframe for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and rapid mobility tasks. By standardizing on the AW109 family, the NAF simplifies its parts supply chain and pilot transition training.
The shift toward the Trekker variant reflects a move toward more durable hardware for frontline service. The fixed skids and upgraded avionics reduce the mechanical complexity of the landing gear while improving situational awareness for the crew. These features are practical for the high-tempo operations required to track mobile militant groups in the Sahel region.
Recent delivery schedules suggest the NAF is moving toward a more self-reliant maintenance model. By training technicians directly at the manufacturer’s facility, the Service reduces its dependence on long-term foreign technical assistance. This strategy is intended to ensure that the 12 planned Trekker units remain flight-worthy during prolonged deployments away from main air bases.
The successful integration of these technicians is expected to improve the sortie generation rate for the Trekker fleet immediately. As more units arrive from the Leonardo production line, the NAF will likely focus on decentralizing its maintenance hubs to support operations in remote border areas. Further training cycles for avionics specialists are anticipated later this year to support the full delivery of the remaining airframes.