President Bola Tinubu is expected to induct five helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet on Thursday as the Federal Government steps up efforts to strengthen military operations against security threats.

The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italian firm Leonardo Helicopters.

The Air Force announced the ceremony in a flyer posted on its X account on Thursday, adding that the event would also feature the commissioning of newly constructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility in Abuja.

Tinubu is expected to attend as special guest of honour, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, will host the ceremony scheduled for 10 am.

According to the Air Force, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the two H-125 aircraft were delivered earlier.

Aneke had said the new aircraft would improve the availability of air assets and strengthen the service’s capacity to respond to security threats across different operational theatres.

The AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are expected to support intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue missions.

The H-125 helicopters will provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.

The acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Air Force and improve air support for ground troops tackling terrorism, kidnapping and banditry across the country.