No fewer than 26 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) landed in Turkey on Tuesday for training on the use and maintenance of T129 ATAK helicopters.
The Nigerian government last year procured six T129 helicopters produced by the Turkish Aerospace Industry for counter-terrorism operations in the country.
The T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter.
On Tuesday, NAF Spokesperson for the service, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, said the 26 personnel comprised pilots and maintenance personnel.
“First batch of Nigerian Air Force pilots and maintenance personnel to train on the T-129 ATAK helicopter under procurement from the Turkish Aerospace Industry arrived in Ankara. They are 26 in number,” he said.
Our correspondent learnt that the aircraft was among the platforms expected to be delivered to NAF before the end of the first quarter of 2023.
However, when quizzed on the delay, Famuyiwa said production of aircraft is time-consuming, adding that the earthquake in Turkey also affected production.
He added that two of the platforms were ready, noting the personnel would undergo their training with it.
He said, “First, the production of new platforms takes time, so whatever timing was given initially was a projection susceptible to change. It was not sacrosanct. More so, you are aware Turkey recently suffered an earthquake, which also had its impacts. Second, two of the helicopters have been produced, and they are what our personnel in Turkey will be using for their training, so the project is on course. “
The PUNCH reports that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, hinted in 2022 that the Nigerian Air Force would take delivery of more fighter jets and helicopters to boost the fight against terrorism.
Amao announced that among the platforms to be purchased are 2 CASA-295 military transport aircraft, 2 Beechcraft King Air 360, 4 Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft, 3 Wing Loong II UCAV, and 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters.
The Punch