NAF to induct 2 new Mi-35 at 53rd anniversary in Makurdi

As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s air power, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) would on Saturday induct two (2) latest version of the Mi-35 all weather heavy assault gunship/attack helicopters, among others in Makurdi as part of the events to mark the 53rd-anniversary celebration.

Against the backdrop of the fight against insurgency and other security challenges, the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar had in August 2016 said the NAF would soon take delivery of 12 new Mi-35 attack helicopter gunships fitted with modern facilities to fire guided missiles at enemy positions.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the NAF Day Celebration Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Isiaka Amao yesterday in Abuja while briefing the press on the activities lined up for the 3-day event said the improved gunship is not new to the Nigerian Air Force, the Russian-made attack helicopter is a new variant, fitted with precision strike and night vision capability.

He said this would help in “consolidating on the gains made by the NAF, not only in the Northeast, but also the South-South, southeast, Northwest and Southwest as well as expand our operational efficiency”. Noting, it would strengthen the gains the military has made on decimating the insurgents and dislodging them from their enclaves, as well as dislocate the militants from their hideouts in the creeks, on the bases of which this year’s theme of “Employment of Air Power for Enduring National Security” was adopted in line with the new priorities.

While stating that new pilot would be “winged” as part of the events to mark the celebration, Amao said other events would be the air weapon meet, aerial and static display, medical outreach for all the communities living around the NAF Bases and ceremonial parade among others.

The aerial and static display would hold on Saturday as well as the induction of the new platforms. Which is intended to boost the capacity of NAF, are part of the platforms to be acquired to enhance the country’s airpower.