The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced the acquisition of 12 additional fighter aircraft to enhance its operational capabilities.
The new additions to the NAF fleet include two King Air 360i light transport aircraft, four T-129 ATAK helicopters, two Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, and four DA-62 surveillance aircraft.
During a meeting with NAF veterans in Kaduna on Saturday, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, highlighted that the NAF is also set to receive 24 M-346 fighter aircraft and 10 additional Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.
Furthermore, he mentioned the expected delivery of 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.
Abubakar stated that the NAF plans to add 50 brand-new aircraft to its inventory between December 2025 and 2026.
He emphasized that the acquisition of these new aircraft is part of the NAF’s strategy to enhance its operational effectiveness.
In addition to acquiring new aircraft, the NAF has also embraced a predictive maintenance culture aimed at minimizing equipment failures and reducing downtime.
Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, representing Abubakar at the event, noted that the force has made significant progress in various areas over the past 18 months.
These, he said, include the “Overhauling of airfield infrastructure, enhancement of operational effectiveness, the establishment of new branches and directorates, adoption of predictive maintenance culture, research and development, boosting strategic partnerships, enhancing welfare, and infrastructural renewal.”
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force is committed to becoming a more effective and agile force capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.
“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.
“The NAF has delivered an additional 12 new platforms, each infusing unique capabilities to our ongoing operations. These include 2 King Air 360i light transport aircraft, 4 T-129 ATAK helicopters, 2 Agusta Westland 109 Trekker and 4 DA-62 surveillance aircraft.
“The NAF is poised to take delivery of 24 M-346 fighter aircraft and 10 additional Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.
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“Other platforms being expected were two additional T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, 3 CASA 295 transport aircraft from Spain and 12 AH-1Z Vipper helicopters from the United States.
“In other words, the Nigerian Air Force will take additional delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.
“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.”
Abubakar stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established new branches and directorates to concentrate on specific areas, including land administration, airworthiness, transformation and innovation, civil-military relations, and peace support operations.
He also mentioned that the NAF has strengthened its strategic partnerships with foreign air forces and exhibitors, aimed at enhancing its capabilities and operational effectiveness.
“The establishment of these new branches and directorates is designed to improve our operational effectiveness and ensure that we are better equipped to address the security challenges facing the country.
“We have formed partnerships with foreign air forces and exhibitors, which has allowed us to access new technologies and expertise, thereby enhancing our operational effectiveness,” Abubakar stated.
Regarding personnel welfare, Abubakar noted that the NAF has initiated several projects to improve the living conditions of its members, including affordable housing, 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 have access to the resources and support they need to perform their duties effectively,” the Chief of Air Staff added.
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