Brig.-Gen. Colin Bassett, Director General of Platform Development, Australian Defence Forces, has described the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA as the best landing vessel in the world.
Bassett made this remark on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos State.
According to him, the Australian Army is currently undergoing a modernisation process and is searching for the best landing craft model to adopt.
“The Australian Army is looking for the best landing craft to modernise our fleet. After searching the globe, we concluded that NNS KADA is the best in the world.
“We have travelled all this way to see the vessel firsthand and learn from its design and operations.
“Our goal is to take this knowledge back to Australia and build a landing craft similar to the KADA,” he added.
Bassett expressed hope for a future where both nations’ landing ships could operate as “sisters of the ocean”, strengthening military cooperation between Australia and Nigeria.
Responding, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Micheal Oamen, appreciated the Australian delegation for the visit.
Oamen expressed pride that Australia had recognised NNS KADA as one of the world’s finest landing crafts.
“The visit of the Australian Defence Forces to the Nigerian Navy further affirms the global standards associated with the Nigerian military, particularly the Navy,” Oamen said.
He emphasised that international collaborations like this were crucial for sharing knowledge and maintaining global best practices in naval operations.
“This is just the beginning of the relationship between Australia and Nigeria, and we will continue to strengthen this collaboration.
“Such international partnerships enhance global security and improve operational standards,” he said.
Oamen also noted that the visit aligned with the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla’s vision of expanding international military cooperation.
“This collaboration will be mutually beneficial, as both the Nigerian and Australian navies will have opportunities to exchange knowledge and expertise,” he added.
The visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Australia military relations, with both countries aiming to deepen their cooperation in naval technology and security.
Australia Says Nigeria’s Landing Vessel Best Worldwide is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
