The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has handed over three newly acquired Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters to the Nigerian Navy.
The brief handover ceremony was done at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facilities in Ikeja Lagos on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Director Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams- Aliu .
The statement disclosed that the AW 109 Helicopter has a purpose-built VIP configuration with full leather and noise attenuation system.
“Furthermore, the helicopter is designed with landing skid which gives it a better loading capacity compared to wheeled helicopters. Additionally, the helicopter is designed with auxiliary tanks which gives it extended endurance of up to 3hrs40mins.
“Thus, the helicopter could be used for long range transport flights. The helicopters could also be retrofitted with purpose built mission equipment,” the statement reads in part.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla accompanied by other senior officers received the newly acquired helicopters.
The CNS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching support to the Armed Forces in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular.
He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defence and his State counterpart for facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters to boost NN operations such as Air Recce, Search and Rescue, Air Insertion and MEDEVAC.
Also present at the hand-over ceremony were the Permanent Secretary MOD, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Director Navy Affairs MOD, Dr Raji Isiaka Ogunshola, the President Caverton Group, Chief Remi Makanjuola and the Managing Director Caverton, Group Captain Bello (rtd).
