The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is to induct its newly acquired T-129 ATAK helicopters and the King Air 360i aircraft into its service at a ceremony to be held on Tuesday February 6, 2024 at the NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue State.
About three months ago, NAF took delivery of the first two of six T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), with the remainder expected before the second quarter of 2024.
On October 29, 2023, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and Minister of Defence (HMOD), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, were in Turkey “to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force.
A statement by NAF Spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said that the platforms will be deployed on induction in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
According to the statement: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to induct its newly acquired T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft on 6 February 2024 at the NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue State.
The induction ceremony will be performed by the Special Guest of Honour, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to be represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
“The event no doubt signifies a major boost to Nigeria’s national defense capability under the current dispensation.
“Specifically, the new platforms would enhance NAF’s firepower as it jointly confronts the various security challenges in the country, alongside sister services and other security agencies.”
