The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is planning a major upgrade of its fleet by getting 49 new aircraft by the end of 2026. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, announced this during the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference in Abuja. He said the new aircraft will include three CASA 295 transport planes, ten AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, twelve AH-1Z attack helicopters, and twenty-four M-346 fighter jets.
Abubakar explained that these are advanced aircraft that need skilled and careful maintenance to perform well. He made this point while speaking at the event, which focused on improving aircraft serviceability through good maintenance culture and strong partnerships.
He stressed that Nigerian Air Force personnel must start using modern and smart methods to take care of the aircraft. According to him, having more planes means nothing without strong engineering and support systems to keep them running well.
Abubakar also mentioned that over the past two years, the Air Force has grown in strength and performance, but this progress should continue with better logistics and technical support. He added that a lot of money has already been used to buy spare parts, build logistics infrastructure, and provide tools that help keep aircraft ready. The goal is for all operational aircraft to be in full working condition by the last quarter of 2025.
Also speaking at the event, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, who is the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, said aircraft maintenance is very important to the Nigerian Air Force’s work. He noted that because security challenges are changing quickly, the Air Force needs to be quick and prepared with its aircraft maintenance. He said the yearly engineering conference helps improve maintenance strategies and encourages a culture of engineering excellence.
In addition to the aircraft expected by 2026, the Nigerian Air Force has already received 15 new aircraft in the past two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air planes used for surveillance, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance aircraft.
