The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its fleet, acquiring 63 new aircraft over the past three years, as part of efforts to improve its operational readiness. Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, announced this achievement at the NAF Training, Operations, and Safety Seminar for 2024 in Abuja.
“In the past year alone, the NAF has received 12 advanced aircraft, including two KA-360i, four DA-62, four T-129 helicopters, and two AW-109 Trekker helicopters,” Abubakar said. “We are expecting further deliveries by year-end, including two T-129 helicopters and one KA-360i.”
Looking ahead, the NAF plans to expand its fleet further with 64 additional aircraft in 2025, comprising 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, three CASA-295 aircraft, and 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. This comes as part of the NAF’s strategic push to modernize its fleet, bolstering its capacity to carry out missions more effectively.
Abubakar also highlighted the force’s safety milestones, including zero manned-aircraft accidents in 2024. “This is a result of our consistent investment in safety, as well as the development of our first-ever Safety Management System (SMS) manual,” he stated.
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The CAS also unveiled a comprehensive report on aircraft accidents over the history of the NAF, a step aimed at ensuring past mistakes are not repeated. “This compendium will serve as a critical resource for improving our safety standards,” he added.
In training, the NAF has made notable progress, with 405 airmen and 186 officers completing various foreign courses, and 5,474 personnel completing local training. “In 2024 alone, we trained 54 pilots abroad and 43 locally,” Abubakar noted, as 28 pilots and UAV operators were honored at the seminar’s winging ceremony.
The NAF’s acquisition of 64 brand-new aircraft over three years, alongside its focus on safety and training, underscores its commitment to improving its operational capacity and enhancing the safety of its personnel.
