President Tinubu induct combat helicopters into the NAF fleet

Kangmwa GofwenFebruary 7, 20241 Mins read143

President Bola Tinubu inducted two new T-129 ATAK helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beecraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the NAF Base, Makurdi, yesterday, Tinubu expressed confidence in the newly acquired platforms, enhancing the fight against insecurity within and outside the country.

He also charged the NAF to be disciplined and have a robust maintenance culture to maximise the benefits of the equipment. The President expressed pride in the NAF’s standing as a dependable regional power and stressed his dedication to supporting it.

While noting his administration’s substantial progress in fighting terrorism, he said there should be no celebration until the security challenges are addressed.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted that the induction ceremony signifies the efforts of the Federal Government to equip and energise the NAF and other armed forces in the country towards the fight against terrorism and other crimes.

He said since the beginning of the President Tinubu-led administration, the NAF had inducted five new aircraft into its fleet, including two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and King Air 360 ER. He added that the NAF plans to induct 46 new aircraft of various types within 18 months.

Other dignitaries present at the ceremony include Minister of Defence Dr Badaru Abubakar, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, members of the national assembly and senior military officers, serving and retired.

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