61 aircraft will join NAF fleet next year – Air chief

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to receive not less than 61 aircraft next year in a momentous build-up of the country’s aerial security capability.

The NAF had received 12 aircraft in the past 12 months and is also expecting delivery of three additional aircraft before the end of this year. These supplies brought brand new aircraft acquired by the NAF in about three years to 64.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar made this known in Abuja yesterday.

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru attributed the successes so far recorded against terrorists and other non-state actors to the growing air assets and platforms, leadership and resilience of Airforce.

They spoke at the NAF Operations, Training, and Safety Seminar in Abuja. NAF also winged 28 combat pilots, honoured war commanders, and launched its Safety Management System (SMS) manual. at the event.

Badaru noted that Air Marshal Abubakar’s leadership has been instrumental to NAF’s success, acknowledging his brilliant role.

He said: “NAF’s ability to effectively utilise its recently acquired assets and platforms to combat terrorism and restore stability to the nation is a notable accomplishment. As you all know, the NAF’s successes can be attributed to its well-trained personnel, who operate with a strong emphasis on safety. This focus on safety is crucial, as it enables the NAF to maintain a high level of operational tempo while minimising the risk of accidents and mishaps.”

Air Marshal  Abubakar described the current administration as the “golden era” of the NAF with the significant build-up in the country’s air assets.

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He outlined that the NAF had received 12 aircraft in the past 12 months including two KA-360i aircraft, four DA-62 aircraft, four T-129 helicopters, and two AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

He added that NAF is expecting three additional aircraft, comprising two T-129 helicopters and one KA 360i aircraft, before the end of this year.

Said he: “Next year, the NAF is also set to receive 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, three CASA-295 aircraft and 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters.

“That is not all. In addition to these new acquisitions, we have also procured 12 pre-owned A-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force through SOFEMA. While all 12 aircraft are ready for shipping, it is anticipated that six will be restored to operable status with the remaining six used as spares to support the Alpha Jet fleet.

“It is, therefore, no exaggeration to state that the Nigerian Air Force is experiencing a golden era under the current administration”.

Abubakar noted that between January and November 2024, NAF trained 97 pilots and 16 UAV operators.

He added that 405 airmen and 186 officers also attended various courses and seminars. Sixty-four personnel are still undergoing courses abroad.

“Additionally, 5,474 and 1,331 personnel have completed and are undergoing various local training courses, respectively,” Abubakar said.

He pointed out that in the area of safety, the Force achieved a commendable milestone this year by recording zero manned aircraft accidents.

He signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Hybrid Health, Safety, and Environment Group.

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He said the MoU was part of NAF’s efforts to further strengthen its collaborative efforts in enhancing safety standards across the aviation sector.

Abubakar also honoured some commanders, whose “extraordinary gallantry and exceptional performance”, resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit leaders and gang members in Zamfara State.

Badaru, who was represented by Defence  Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kanna, said operations and training are inter-related as one cannot solely rely on one while paying less attention to the other.

“Indeed, the grassroots of every operational activity is training, not just training but quality and adequate training. A well-trained airman is a lethal weapon in the field of operations. Training serves as the factory that churns out the finished products that could be used for operational activities. Your work done in operations will almost be zero if you cannot produce well-trained personnel.

 “The current security dynamics of the country mandate the conduct of concurrent operational activities at all levels. So many operational theatres supported by air components have been launched in different parts of the country over the past 10 years. This implies that all hands will be on the deck to ensure the success of these operations.

 “Quality training may not be enough to execute all missions successfully, you still need the knowledge of tactics and technical understanding of the imperative of war to succeed in the field, which is why this forum is necessary and very crucial to the NAF,” Badaru said.

61 aircraft will join NAF fleet next year – Air chief