The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday said it has acquired not less than 64 brand new aircraft in about three years, including the procurement of 12 Alpha-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force.
Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who spoke in Abuja at the 2024 NAF Training Operations and Safety Seminar, noted that over the past one year, the Air Force had taken delivery of 12 advanced aircraft including 2 x KA-360i aircraft, 4 x DA-62 aircraft, 4 x T-129 helicopters, and 2 x AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
According to Air Marshal Abubakar: “Before the end of this year (2024), the Service is expecting additional deliveries of 2 x T-129 helicopters and 1 x KA 360i aircraft.
“Next year, the NAF is also set to receive 10 x AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 x M-346FA aircraft, and 3 x CASA – 295 aircraft as well as 12 x AH-1Z attack helicopters.”
The CAS, who stated that the NAF has entered its “Golden Era,” also noted the procurement of 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force, with six to be operationally restored and another six allocated for spare parts.
According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, these developments underscore the Air Force’s enhanced operational readiness and modernization efforts.
Accordingly, the CAS urged all participants at the Seminar to be fully engaged, absorb the lessons to be shared and apply them rigorously in their respective areas of responsibility.
“Together, we can strengthen the Training, Operations as well as Safety posture of the NAF, thereby enhancing our ability to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Airspace, as we serve our Great Nation,” Air Marshal Abubakar added.
NAF Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal FO Edosa, while delivering the training highlights before the winging of 28 new NAF pilots and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators, informed of significant strides in fleet expansion and pilot training under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar.
He added that with 14 new platforms delivered and 50 more expected soon, the need for increased skilled aircrew cannot be overemphasized. The pilots and UAV operators were recognized for completing rigorous courses, including fighter, helicopter, and UAV pilot training conducted in Nigeria, Egypt, and the United States.
According to him, the training programs focused on advanced tactical, operational, and safety skills to enhance the NAF’s readiness for contemporary security challenges.
Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, speaking at the event, affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to bolstering the operational capabilities of the NAF towards effectively addressing emerging security threats.
The HMOD, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, also commended the NAF’s leadership under Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar for its proactive posture and decisive action in countering threats such as insurgency, terrorism and banditry through effective utilization of newly acquired assets and platforms.
He noted the remarkable progress achieved by the NAF and other defence and security agencies in restoring stability to the Northeast and other parts of the country, attributing this success to the synergy between deliberate mission-oriented training and effective operational execution.
Speaking further, the HMOD highlighted the importance of the Seminar to sustaining the gains in enhancing Nigeria’s security.
According to him, “the Northeastern part of the country now enjoys relative peace and calmness owing to the selfless contributions and dedication of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“All these would not have been possible if not for the constant need to assess performance and identify shortcomings in our operational activities and I believe this is what gave birth to a forum like this, where we would rub minds and examine areas that require improvement.”
The Seminar, themed “Agile and Resilient Air Power for National Security: Enhancing Safety and Optimizing NAF Air Operations to Combat Emerging Threats,” emphasises the critical role of safety, advanced training, and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. Scheduled to last two days, the 2024 NAF Training, Operations, and Safety Seminar has brought together experts to deliberate on key strategies to optimize NAF operations and enhance safety measures.
The statement on the seminar stated: “Day-One of the event featured several significant activities, including the winging of 28 newly trained NAF pilots and the presentation of awards for gallantry and exceptional performance to deserving personnel.
“Additionally, key milestones were achieved, such as the signing of reviewed memoranda of understanding between the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), as well as between the NAF and Hybrid HSE.
“The event also witnessed the historic presentation of an accreditation certificate as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to the Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC) by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“This milestone achievement by the NAF has repositioned ATSTC for delivery of world-class capacity development not only for NAF and Nigeria’s civil aviation sector, but also for international partners.
“The Training, Operations and Safety Seminar 2024 reinforces the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence and safety as well as its resolve to decisively address evolving threats to national security.”