NAF boosts airpower with advanced jets, attack helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force has stepped up preparations for the induction of advanced combat and surveillance aircraft with the commissioning of new training and accommodation facilities at its base in Kaduna.

At a ceremony on Friday, Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, unveiled several key infrastructural projects at NAF Base Kaduna, describing the developments as critical to grooming a new generation of pilots for the Service’s incoming modern platforms.

According to him, the Air Force is fast-tracking the procurement of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to boost operational effectiveness across the full spectrum of air operations.

The acquisitions, he said, would significantly strengthen the Service’s capacity in counterinsurgency, close air support and precision strike missions.

He noted that the completion of the Student Pilots’ Quarters marks a major milestone in equipping pilots to operate advanced aircraft capable of projecting smart and decisive airpower against terrorist threats while safeguarding civilians.

Aneke stressed that the commissioning went beyond physical structures, aligning with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force able to deliver decisive airpower in synergy with ground forces to achieve national security objectives.

He urged personnel to maintain the facilities with discipline and responsibility, emphasising that a strong maintenance culture would preserve the buildings as a source of comfort and dignity for present and future occupants.

The projects commissioned include six blocks of 12 one-bedroom Student Pilots’ Quarters, a block of six three-bedroom flats initiated by the Ministry of Defence and completed by the Air Force, and a block of 30 one-bedroom studio apartments for airmen and airwomen of the Military Training Centre.

The Air Chief said the infrastructure upgrades form part of a transformation agenda aimed at strengthening training capacity and improving living conditions for personnel.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support for national security, particularly through bilateral defence engagements.

He highlighted defence cooperation with Türkiye, which has facilitated the acquisition of advanced helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and added that strategic engagements in the United States and Italy were already yielding positive outcomes.

Aneke also acknowledged the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly for enabling fiscal releases that made the projects possible.

He commended his predecessor, Hassan Abubakar, ex–Air Chief for initiating the student quarters project, and praised the Logistics Branch, the Air Officer Commanding and contractors for delivering the facilities on schedule.

Reaffirming alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he pledged that the Air Force would remain a critical stakeholder in efforts to achieve a safe, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

In his welcome remarks, E.P. Efanga,  Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, described the facilities as a significant milestone in strengthening operational readiness and enhancing personnel welfare, noting that the infrastructure would play a central role in preparing pilots to operate the advanced platforms expected to shape the future of the Air Force.