The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its fleet with the acquisition of 12 additional aircraft aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, announced this during a parley with NAF veterans in Kaduna on Saturday.
Represented by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, the Air Chief stated that the newly acquired platforms include two King Air 360i light transport aircraft, four T-129 ATAK helicopters, two Agusta Westland 109 Trekkers, and four DA-62 surveillance aircraft.
Speaking on future acquisitions, Abubakar disclosed that the NAF is set to take delivery of 24 M-346 fighter jets and 10 additional Agusta Westland 109 Trekkers from Italy, two more T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, three CASA 295 transport aircraft from Spain, and 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters from the United States.
He revealed that the Force would receive 50 brand-new aircraft between December 2025 and 2026.
“The Nigerian Air Force is committed to becoming a more effective and agile force capable of addressing the country’s security challenges,” Abubakar said. “We have made significant progress in the last 18 months, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum. The acquisition of the new aircraft is a testament to our commitment to becoming a more effective and agile force.”
Abubakar highlighted that the NAF has adopted predictive maintenance to reduce equipment failures and downtime.
“We have shifted towards predictive maintenance, which enables us to assess the condition of our aircraft and other equipment and anticipate and schedule maintenance ahead of time,” he explained.
He also outlined the achievements of the Force over the past 18 months, including the overhauling of airfield infrastructure, enhancement of operational effectiveness, the establishment of new branches and directorates, research and development, boosting strategic partnerships, infrastructural renewal, and welfare improvements.
“The establishment of these new branches and directorates is aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness and ensuring that we are better equipped to address the country’s security challenges,” Abubakar stated.
On personnel welfare, Abubakar noted initiatives such as affordable housing projects, meal subsidies, and priority admission for the children of NAF personnel.
“We are committed to ensuring that our personnel are well taken care of and that they have access to the resources and support they need to perform their duties effectively,” he added.
The NAF, according to Abubakar, is focused on sustaining the momentum of its progress and leveraging its partnerships with foreign air forces and exhibitors to access advanced technologies and expertise.
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