Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), says the Federal Government has purchased 12 aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the previous year.
Abubakar declared this at the Air Force War College Nigeria’s Air War Course 10/2024 graduation ceremony in Makurdi on Friday.
He stated that the federal government deployed the newly acquired platforms to the Service between September 2023 and September 2024, and that the NAF expected to receive additional platforms in the future months.
“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to adequately equipping the Nigerian Air Force for safe training and agile airpower deployment to meet the nation’s security challenges, it is heartening to note that, between the last Air War Course graduation in September last year and today, we have received 12 new platforms.
“These include two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two King Air 360 light transport aircraft, four T-129 ATAK helicopters, and two Agusta Westland 109 Trekkers.”
“Moving forward, the NAF is scheduled to receive 24 x M-346 fighter aircraft6 and 10 more Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.
“Others are 3 x CASA 295 transport aircraft from Spain and 12 x AH-1Z Vipper helicopters from the United States,” the official stated.
According to Abubakar, the Service, in collaboration with other sister agencies, is capable of dealing with the country’s numerous security concerns.
“To that end, while we strengthen our airpower measures and approaches, we will encourage seamless interoperability of equipment and joint force employment by the services.
“Therefore, I expect you all to cooperate with other services and security agencies because this is crucial to meet the high expectations of Nigerians on us, to restore peace and security and ensure a safe and prosperous nation,” he told the crowd.
The air chief urged the graduates with remaining persistent in their pursuit of knowledge while adhering to the key values of integrity, selflessness, service, and excellence.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support of the Service, saying, “We are determined to restore peace in the country.”
Muhammad Abubakar, the country’s minister of defence, had earlier stated that the country was now dealing with a variety of security issues that endangered peace, unity, and prosperity.
In his capacity as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, on behalf of Abubakar, urged the Armed Forces to employ creative and aggressive approaches to counter national security threats. As we assemble here today, our country is confronted with a variety of security issues that jeopardise peace, unity, and prosperity.
As such, asymmetric warfare, the emergence of these violent non-state actors, and complex security concerns require creative and proactive approaches to counter.
He said , “The Nigerian Air Force has been leading the way in tackling these issues, and your education at this prestigious university has given you the skills you need to support this endeavour.”
AVM Adebayo Kehinde, the college’s commandant, reported that 26 students had completed their nine-month study program.
According to Kehinde, the graduates were 17 members of the NAF, including two from each of the Nigerian Army and Navy, two from the National Defence College, one each from the Ghana Air Force and the Cameroon Air Force.
The next stage of the course, which is scheduled to start in January 2025, will include participants from five more nations, according to Kahinde. The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Abubakar, awarded certificates to the graduates, which was a highlight of the ceremony.
In Essence
The procurement of 12 aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) within a single year underscores the Federal Government’s strong commitment to enhancing national security.
These new platforms, including surveillance, transport, and attack helicopters, are part of a broader strategy to equip the NAF to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges, such as terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insurgency.
This expansion of the NAF’s fleet enhances the military’s capability for both offensive and defensive air operations, including surveillance, logistics, and combat missions.
One key takeaway is that these acquisitions will bolster Nigeria’s efforts to respond to the asymmetric warfare currently facing the country. With additional M-346 fighter jets, AH-1Z Viper helicopters, and other advanced aircraft expected to arrive in the coming months, the NAF will be better positioned to engage non-state actors and violent groups that have destabilized various regions.
This emphasis on joint force employment and interoperability with other military services also highlights the need for a coordinated and integrated approach to addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
However, the success of these acquisitions will depend on effective deployment, maintenance, and the operational training of personnel. It’s promising that graduates from the Air War College are being trained to handle these challenges, as high-level strategic knowledge will be essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the new platforms. The presence of foreign participants, including those from Ghana and Cameroon, also emphasizes the growing need for regional cooperation in addressing transnational threats.
