NAF Acquires Attack Helicopters, Others To Tame Insecurity

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expanded its fleet by acquiring 12 new aircraft as part of its efforts to address insecurity across the country.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar disclosed this during a graduation ceremony for 432 officers and airmen/airwomen at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna on Wednesday.

The CAS assured that Nigeria is making significant strides in the fight against insurgents, citing the recent dislodgement of enemy camps as a sign of progress.

He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring national security and emphasised the importance of the newly acquired aircraft in achieving this goal.

“Between October last year and now, the NAF has inducted 12 new aircraft including 4 x Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 x King Air 360 light transport aircraft and 4 x T-129 ATAK helicopters as well as 2 x AW109 Trekker.

“Pending acquisitions on the horizon include 3 x CASA-295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 10 x AW 109 Trekker, 12 x AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 x M-346 attack aircraft.

“In other words, the Nigerian Air Force will take additional delivery of 50 new aircraft between December this year and 2026,” he said.  

Air Marshal Abubakar said these additions, along with ongoing technological advancements and predictive maintenance efforts, will aid in maintaining 95% aircraft serviceability.

He also highlighted NAF’s focus on indigenous military manufacturing through research and development.

He urged the graduates to apply their technical knowledge in real world scenarios, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the new aircraft.

The CAS stressed that their expertise will be crucial in defeating terrorism and insurgency, aligning with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.