The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received its second and final Mil Mi-171E heavy-lift tactical transport helicopter.
The helicopter was delivered at NAF Base Makurdi, Benue State, earlier in December.
According to Key.Aero, a website that focuses on military aviation, the Mi-171E (NATO reporting name: Hip-H), serial NAF582, arrived at the Nigerian air base at exactly 1515hrs (local time) after being flown in aboard an Ilyushin Il-76 heavy-lift strategic transport.
It adds that the delivery completes the Federal Government’s procurement of two Mi-171Es from Serbia. Further, the latest acquisition brings the total of new aircraft acquired by Nigeria since 2015 to 23.
In a press release, the NAF said: “The new aircraft will undoubtedly boost [the] NAF’s contributions in the fight against insurgency, armed banditry and other criminal activities in the country. The newly-received aircraft will now be assembled in Makurdi by a team from the equipment vendor; assisted by NAF technicians, prior to test flying and formal induction into the NAF.”
The new helicopter was accepted by the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command; Air Vice Marshal Olusegun Philip, on behalf of the NAF’s Chief of Air Staff; Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar. Additionally, representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service were also present to ensure that the necessary documentation accompanied the delivery.
