Nigerian Navy Receives Three Augusta Helicopters

The Ministry of Defense has delivered three brand-new Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters to the Nigerian Navy.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Adams-Aliu stated that the three helicopters were handed over in a brief ceremony on Tuesday at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facilities in Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the AW 109 helicopters have all purpose-built VIP configurations with full leather and a noise attenuation system.

According to him, the helicopters are designed with landing skids, giving them better loading capacity compared to wheeled helicopters.

“Additionally, the helicopters are designed with auxiliary tanks to ensure extended endurance of up to 3 hours 40 minutes.

“Thus, the helicopter could be used for long-range transport flights. The helicopters could also be retrofitted with purpose-built mission equipment.”

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, who received the newly acquired helicopters, thanked President Bola Tinubu,
“for his unflinching support to the Armed Forces in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular”.

Ogalla also expressed gratitude to both the Minister of Defense and Minister of State for Defense for facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters
to boost the Navy’s operations.

Also present at the handover ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, and other officials. (NAN)