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 the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, highlighted that the NAF will also receive 24 additional M-346 fighter jets and 10 Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.
In addition, 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 new aircraft to its inventory between December 2025 and 2026.
He highlighted that the acquisition of these new aircraft is part of the NAF's strategy to improve its operational effectiveness.
In addition to acquiring new aircraft, the NAF has also adopted 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 several areas over the past 18 months.
These, he said, include “overhauling airfield infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, establishing new branches and directorates, adopting a culture of predictive maintenance, research and development, driving strategic partnerships , improving well-being and renewing infrastructure.
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 over the past 18 months and we are committed to maintaining 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 bringing 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 set to receive 24 additional M-346 fighter jets and 10 Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.
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“Other platforms 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 receive an additional delivery of 50 new aircraft between December this year and 2026.
“We have opted for predictive maintenance, which allows us to evaluate the condition of our aircraft and other equipment and anticipate and schedule maintenance in advance.”
Abubakar stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established new branches and directorates to focus on specific areas including land administration, airworthiness, transformation and innovation, civil-military relations and life support operations. peace.
He also mentioned that the NAF has strengthened its strategic partnerships with foreign air forces and exhibitors, with the aim of enhancing their 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 air forces and foreign exhibitors, which has enabled us to access new technologies and knowledge, thereby improving our operational effectiveness,” Abubakar said.
On staff welfare, Abubakar noted that the NAF has initiated several projects to improve the living conditions of its members, including affordable housing, meal allowances and priority admission for children of NAF personnel.
“We are committed to ensuring that our personnel are well cared for and have access to the resources and support they need to perform their duties effectively,” added the Chief of the Air Staff.