The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was in Kainji, Niger State, earlier on Thursday 15 August 2024, to celebrate the achievement of a significant flying milestone by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots who have now logged 10,000 flight hours on the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet.
Speaking at the event, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the milestone represented the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to NAF’s mission of “ensuring the integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfill other airpower tasks demanded by National defence and security imperatives.”
According to him: “Reaching 10,000 flight hours is no small feat as it symbolizes the countless hours of training, meticulous planning, and flawless execution that have gone into every mission we have undertaken.”
He also stated that the feat represented the exceptional skills, professionalism, and resilience of NAF’s brave men and women who have served and are currently serving.
The CAS also expressed delight that the milestone was achieved without any major incident on the aircraft, which he attributed to the high premium the NAF places on safety.
“Invariably, strict adherences to safety measures emplaced are enabling us to achieve the desired results,’ he noted.
He then went on to pay tribute to NAF’s fallen heroes, noting that the milestone was a reminder of their sacrifices, courage and commitment which have continued to, ‘inspire us all and remind us of the importance of our mission.’
On the dynamic security environment, Air Marshal Abubakar reminded the pilots on the need to remain focused on the challenges ahead.
According to him: “The world continues to change, and new threats emerge every day. Our commitment to excellence must remain steadfast, and we must continue to adapt, innovate, and evolve to stay ahead of our adversaries.”
He then spoke on NAF’s efforts in the various internal security operations across the nation, which have been critical to decimating terrorists and other criminals as well as supporting ground offensives by own troops.
While praising the unit commander and crew for their tireless efforts at ensuring the accomplishment of all missions in support of NAF’s mandate, the CAS reminded them of the need to be focused and united in their purpose, and resolute in their determination to protect the Nation and its interests.
The CAS also expressed gratitude and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support, which has helped the NAF achieve the 10,000 hours milestone and many other feats in recent times. He then appreciated the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their unflinching support and the Minister of Defence as well as the Minister of State for Defence for their abled leadership and guidance. The CAS also thanked the United States Government and the commitment of the prime contractor of the aircraft, Sierra Nevada Corporation.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba had noted that the 10,000 flying hours logged translated to an average of approximately 9 hours of daily flying time (or 270 hours monthly) for the past 3 years with no break.
He then attributed this feat to the countless hours spent in training, the sacrifices made by the brave combat pilots and the unwavering support of the ground crew. He went on to note that the 10,000 flying hours logged by the pilots in just 3 years and without any mishap was a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration even in the most advanced air forces in the world.
Since its induction in August 2021, the A-29 Super Tucano fleet has been involved in several decisive missions in the various operational theatres across the country. So far, over 8500 hours flown on the fleet were dedicated to both day and night operational sorties against terrorists, bandits and other violent non-state actors threatening national peace. No doubt, the aircraft’s night and precision munitions delivery capability has undoubtedly enhanced NAF’s versatility, flexibility and lethality in all air operations.
Edward Gabkwet
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force