Ifeanyi Ibe
The Nigeria Air Force says it is expecting the delivery of additional 51 platforms to boost counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the country.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, in a statement released by the service spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, while addressing officers and men during his maiden operational tour of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) units, Makurdi, Benue State.
He said the additional platforms being expected will be a major boost to training, airpower deployment and projection. New Chief Of Air Staff Shakes Force, Redeploys 98 Senior Officers
He listed the aircraft being expected to include two Agusta 109 Trekker Multi-role helicopters, two Beechcraft King Air 360, three Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft, and six T-129 ATAK helicopters.
The statement said, “Other pending acquisitions include two CASA -295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 attack aircraft. All these acquisitions, according to the CAS, demonstrate the Federal Government’s deep commitment to equipping the NAF for the safe conduct of training and agile airpower employment to meet the Nation’s security challenges.”
The CAS also assured the personnel of his commitment to proactively address maintenance and logistics support for all NAF fleets to ensure it surpasses the current average serviceability of over 78 per cent.
Abubakar stated that overseas and local training will henceforth be deliberate and targeted to address deficiencies in needed skills and capabilities, just as selection for such courses will be purely merit-based to ensure that only the most qualified are selected to give the NAF value for money.
He further noted that under his watch, problems of poor electricity and water supply, as well as dilapidated accommodation and road infrastructure on all NAF Bases will be prioritised for utmost attention so that personnel and their families live comfortably.
He also assured them of prompt payment of all entitlements as well as to look into the issue of uniforms and other accoutrements.
PBA recalls that in October 2021, the federal government took delivery of 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets from the United States of America.
Also in January 2022, the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (retd), disclosed that a total of 38 new aircraft had been inducted into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force to further combat the insurgency activities in the country. In December 2022, the NAF said Nigeria would receive 54 manned and unmanned military aircraft to tackle multi-pronged security threats.
