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Insecurity: NAF Set To Receive 51, Additional Platforms To Boost Operational Capability
The Chief of Air Staff(CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has said that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expecting 51 additional platforms to boost its counter-insurgency, counterterrorism, and other security operations in the country.
He listed the platforms which will be arriving in the country any moment from now including 2 Agusta 109 Trekker Multi-role helicopters, 2 Beechcraft King Air 360, 3 Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft, and 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters, 2 CASA -295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and 24 M-346 attack aircraft.
The CAS stated this while addressing officers and men during his maiden operational tour of NAF units in Makurdi, Benue State. He noted that the acquisition of additional platforms would bolster training, airpower employment, and projection.
All these acquisitions, according to the CAS, demonstrate the Federal Government’s deep commitment to equipping the NAF for the safe conduct of training and agile airpower employment to meet the Nation’s security challenges.
Speaking further, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF would continue to enhance cooperation and jointness as part of a whole-of-nation approach to quickly resolving the security challenges bedeviling the country.
“While the NAF augments its airpower measures and approaches, it will also continue to promote seamless interoperability of equipment and joint force employment by the various services.”
He charged the personnel to cooperate with other services and security agencies to meet the high expectations of Nigerians on the Armed Forces as well as restore peace and security and ensure a safe and prosperous Nation.
He assured the personnel of his commitment to proactively address maintenance and logistics support for all NAF fleet to ensure it surpasses the current average serviceability of over 78 percent. On training, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar stated that overseas and local training will henceforth be deliberate and targeted to address deficiencies in needed skills and capabilities, just as selection for such courses will be purely on merit to ensure that only the most qualified are selected to give the NAF value for money.
On welfare, the CAS noted that under his watch, problems of poor electricity and water supply as well as dilapidated accommodation and road infrastructure on all NAF Bases would be given the utmost priority they deserve to ensure personnel and their families live comfortably.
The NAF Chief while assuring them of prompt payment of all entitlements, promised to look into the issue of uniforms and other accouterments, even as he charged them to remain disciplined, diligent, and responsible in their conduct in and out of uniforms.
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