ABUJA: The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, announced that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has significantly expanded its aircraft inventory over the past three years, acquiring 64 brand new aircraft. This development was revealed at the NAF Training, Operations and Safety Seminar for 2024, held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the CAS highlighted the remarkable progress made in renewing the NAF’s aircraft fleet, which has enhanced operational readiness, thanks to the support of President Bola Tinubu. Over the past year, NAF has added 12 advanced aircraft to its fleet, including two KA-360i aircraft, four DA-62 aircraft, four T-129 helicopters, and two AW-109 Trekker helicopters. Additionally, the service anticipates receiving two more T-129 helicopters and one KA 360i aircraft before the end of the year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the NAF is set to receive 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, three CASA-295 aircraft, and 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, totaling 6
4 new aircraft over approximately three years. The CAS also mentioned the procurement of 12 pre-owned A-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force through SOFEMA, with six expected to be restored to operable status and the remaining six used as spares to support the Alpha Jet fleet.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the transformative phase NAF is experiencing under the current administration, describing it as a golden era. He reiterated the service’s commitment to building on the operational gains achieved so far. The CAS reported that from June 2023 to September 2024, NAF conducted 8,665 missions across 9,928 sorties, accumulating 15,915 flying hours, showcasing the relentless efforts of NAF personnel across various operational theatres.
He praised the exceptional leadership and performance of all Air Component Commanders, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence. In terms of training, NAF made significant progress in 2024, with 405 airmen and 186 officers completing various foreign courses, seminar
s, and trips, while 64 are currently ongoing. Additionally, 5,474 personnel completed local training courses, with 1,331 still undergoing training. The service has also trained 54 pilots abroad and 43 locally, along with 16 UAV operators trained locally. The seminar included a winging ceremony for 28 of these pilots and operators.