The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would receive an additional 49 aircraft within the next two years to bolster its operations.

Mr Abubakar made this known during the induction of two newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekker Helicopters as part of activities marking the 61st anniversary of the NAF, on Friday in Abuja.

The two helicopters, the first batch of the 12 in order, were inducted by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The CAS said the 49 aircraft expected include 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

“These acquisitions will significantly bolster our precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities to support our counter terrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

“The dynamic security landscape of our nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive Air Force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

“This reality underscores the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare,” he said.

Mr Abubakar said NAF had, from 2024 to date, received nine new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, and two Agusta 109 trekker helicopters being inducted.

He said that upon assuming office in June 2023, he promulgated his command philosophy to transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

“Notably, we have prioritised mission-oriented force development and deliberate training. In this regard, eight pilots, eighteen engineers and technicians have been trained for the effective deployment of the trekker helicopters.

“Additionally, air and ground crews are currently undergoing specialised training abroad, and will in turn train more personnel locally to sustain capacity development,” he added.

The CAS said the NAF had continued to invest heavily in research and development to build a robust technical capacity to effectively maintain its sophisticated equipment.

He said the NAF had recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

Mr Abubakar thanked the president for the new acquisition and assured that the platforms would be optimally deployed and maintained.

“Working closely with other sister services and security agencies, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

(NAN)