Defence Ministry Hands Over Three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters To Navy [PHOTOS]

The Ministry of Defence has officially handed over three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters to the Nigerian Navy.

A statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, on Wednesday, revealed that the brief handover ceremony took place at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facilities in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the statement, the AW 109 helicopters are equipped with a purpose-built VIP configuration, featuring full leather interiors and a noise attenuation system.

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“Furthermore, the helicopter is designed with a landing skid which gives it a better loading capacity compared to wheeled helicopters.

“Additionally, the helicopters are designed with auxiliary tanks which give them 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 Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, along with other senior officers, was present to receive the newly acquired helicopters.

Also in attendance at the handover ceremony were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; Director of Navy Affairs, Dr. Raji Isiaka Ogunshola; President of Caverton Group, Chief Remi Makanjuola; and Managing Director of Caverton, Group Captain Bello (rtd).

The CNS expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for his unwavering support of the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy.

He also thanked the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence for their efforts in facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters, which will enhance the Navy’s operations, including air reconnaissance, search and rescue, air insertion, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

See photos below: