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By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu
The Ministry of Defence has officially handed over three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters to the Nigerian Navy, enhancing the capabilities of the naval forces. The brief ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facilities in Ikeja, Lagos, and included key military and government officials.
According to a statement from the Director Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the AW 109 helicopters feature a purpose-built VIP configuration, complete with a full leather interior and noise attenuation system, making them suitable for a range of missions. The design includes landing skids that enhance loading capacity compared to traditional wheeled helicopters, significantly improving operational efficiency.
The helicopters are equipped with auxiliary tanks that extend their endurance capabilities up to 3 hours and 40 minutes
“The helicopters are equipped with auxiliary tanks that extend their endurance capabilities up to 3 hours and 40 minutes,” the statement noted. This extended flight capability positions the helicopters as vital assets for long-range transport missions. Additionally, the AW 109s can be retrofitted with specialized mission equipment tailored to various operational demands.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed his appreciation to the Nigerian government for the acquisition, emphasizing the significance of the new helicopters for the Navy’s operations. He was joined by senior officers and various dignitaries attending the ceremony, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, and the President of the Caverton Group, Chief Remi Makanjuola.
Vice Admiral Ogalla extended heartfelt thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for his unwavering support for the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy. He also acknowledged the contributions of both the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence in facilitating the timely acquisition of these helicopters. This enhancement is expected to significantly bolster the Navy’s operational capabilities in critical areas such as aerial reconnaissance, search and rescue missions, air insertion, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
This acquisition underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces with the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges in maritime security and national defense.
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