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See The Magical Display By The Nigerian Air Force In Abuja For Its 56th Anniversary (Photos)
In commemoration of its 56th anniversary, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on 22 April 2020, conducted a symbolic fly-past over Abuja Metropolis.
The fly-past was executed to salute to the Nigerian people for their support to the Nigerian Air Force over the years, whilst also reminding us all to stay safe in these trying times.
The Nigerian Air Force was formally established on 18 April 1964 with the passage of the Air Force Act 1964 by the National Assembly. The Act stated that the ‘Nigerian Air Force shall be charged with the defence of the Federal Republic by air, and to give effect thereto, the personnel shall be trained in such duties as in the air as well as on the ground.
The NAF was formed with technical assistance from West Germany. The air force started life as a transport unit with aircrew being trained in Canada, Ethiopia and India. The head of the German Air Force Assistance Group (GAFAG) was Colonel Gerhard Kahtz, and he became the first commander of the NAF. The nucleus of the NAF was thus established with the formation of the Nigerian Air Force headquarters at the Ministry of Defence.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the air branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is one of the largest in Africa, consisting of about 15,000 personnel and aircraft including 12 Chinese Chengdu F-7s, 3 JF-17 Thunder Multirole Fighter, 13 Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jets, 12 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, Helicopter gunships, armed attack drones and military transport aircraft.
The NAF displayed some stunts in the city of Abuja admonishing residents to stay at home and stay strong during the pandemic that is ravaging in the world.
