The Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, on Wednesday, said it had taken delivery of two combat aircraft, Diamond-62 (DA-62), procured by the federal government.
A statement by the Spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said combat the planes would add impetus to ongoing air operations across the country.
In his remarks during the ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the process that culminated in the reception of the two additional aircraft began about two years ago, when the federal government appropriated funds for the acquisition of four Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.
He disclosed that out of the four aircraft, the first two were delivered between February and July 2023, while the remaining two were received on Wednesday .
Speaking further, Abubakar noted that the two DA-62 aircraft received earlier in the year had since been deployed to the operating theatres in support of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country.
While urging the air and ground crew that would handle the aircraft to remain disciplined and professional, he admonished them to also ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the aircraft in line with recommended best practices by the original equipment manufacturer. He also implored them to leverage the capabilities available on the aircraft to enhance NAF’s operational efficiency.
In paying glowing tribute to the federal government for its commitment to revamping the fortunes of the NAF and other services, Abubakar also noted that the receipt of the two additional DA-62 aircraft confirmed the sincerity and commitment of the government towards ensuring that peace returned to hitherto troubled spots.
He further stated that the NAF would in no distant time take delivery of additional platforms that include the M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopter, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft.
In his remarks, the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, commended the NAF for its efforts, alongside other security agencies towards ridding the nation of its numerous security challenges.
He expressed his appreciation to the air force chief for making Ilorin the home base of the DA-62, which is indicative of the peaceful and conducive nature of the State.
He assured the CAS of his administration’s unwavering support to the NAF and other security agencies in their onerous tasks of safeguarding lives and properties.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, noted that the acquisition of the DA-62 aircraft stemmed from its ability to carry out robust missions in furtherance of combat operations.
He added that domiciling the DA-62 under 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin would go a long way in breathing live into the unit while enhancing its operational activities.
Kingsley Nwezeh
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