A Defence expert, retired Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, says 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters contracted for Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will significantly enhance close air support capability.
Adesanya, who is a former NAF Director of Public Relations and ex-Defence Attache to Moscow, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said AH-1Z Viper was a principally dedicated attack helicopter designed for close air support, armed escort, reconnaissance and precision strike.
On effectiveness of platforms in fighting current security challenges, Adesanya said approved package for AH-1Z helicopters had very significant potential capability to help address security challenges, especially when attacking small, mobile targets where precision mattered.
He however, noted that although 12 AH-1Z Vipers had been contracted for, they were not yet acquired and therefore currently not part of NAF’s operational fleet.
“Production of first Nigerian Viper reportedly commenced in September 2026, with completion scheduled for 2029.
“Nevertheless, without doubts, AH-1Z acquisition represents major future enhancement of Nigeria’s close-air-support and precision-strike capability.
”Though its operational impact will depend on delivery, training, maintenance, intelligence, targeting and integration with ground forces,” he said.
NAN reports that the Federal Government approved the acquisition of attack helicopters as part of efforts to modernise NAF fleet and strengthen fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.(NAN)
