Nigeria’s Air Force Plans to Buy 12 Turkish Aksungur Drones and 12 US AH-1Z Helicopters

On October 25, 2026, the Nigerian Air Force announced plans to add 12 Turkish Aksungur combat drones and 12 US AH-1Z attack helicopters to its fleet. Spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said the acquisitions are part of a modernization effort to strengthen combat, transport, training and intelligence capabilities. The NAF recently received five helicopters and already operates Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters and Chinese Wing Loong II drones. It says more than 550 personnel have received training abroad and over 6,000 have been trained in Nigeria to operate the equipment.