The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the Nigerian Air Force added 63 brand-new aircraft to its inventory in the last three years.
Abubakar disclosed this during the 2024 NAF Training, Operations, and Safety Seminar on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that with President Bola Tinubu’s backing, the NAF has experienced a spectacular comeback, as evidenced by the modernisation of its fleet of aircraft and improved operational preparedness.
According to the air chief, NAF received 12 advanced aircraft during the last year, including two KA-360i aircraft, four DA-62 aircraft, four T-129 helicopters, and two AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
The CAS stated that the Air Force is expecting two new T-129 helicopters and one KA 360i aircraft before the end of the year.
“In 2025, the NAF will receive 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, and three CASA–295 aircraft as well as 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters.
“This makes a total of 64 brand new aircraft in about three years. That’s 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.
“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,” he said.
Abubakar added that the current administration was ushering in a golden period for the NAF. He reaffirmed the commitment of NAF to building on its previous operational successes.
According to him, an examination of their key performance indicators revealed that between June 2023 and September 2024, the NAF flew 8,665 missions in 9,928 sorties, totalling 15,915 flight hours.
This, he said, demonstrated an assessment of the NAF personnel’s tireless efforts in all theatres of operations.
The air chief praised all Air Component Commanders for their extraordinary leadership and achievement, encouraging them to build on their achievements and strive for even greater accomplishment.
In terms of training, Abubakar stated that the NAF had made considerable progress in 2024, with 405 airmen and 186 officers having finished various international courses, seminars, and excursions, and 64 are now in progress.
He noted that 5,474 and 1,331 personnel concluded and were now enrolled in various local training courses, accordingly.
“Furthermore, from January to November, the service has trained 54 Pilots abroad and 43 Pilots locally, while 16 UAV operators were trained locally.
“Indeed, it is gratifying that, today, we will also be witnessing the winging ceremony of 28 of these pilots and operators,” he said.
NAF Acquired 63 Brand New Aircraft In 3 Years – CAS is first published on The Whistler Newspaper