Guardian Nigeria
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar has inaugurated runway lights, airfield facilities and other projects at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the other projects, which was inaugurated on Friday includes: Base Defence Coordination Centre and, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Workshop.
Others were renovated airmen accommodation blocks and installation of an Instrument Landing System ILS) at the Kaduna Military Airfield.
NAN reports that the Air Chief also inspected ongoing projects at the base.
Abubakar said the projects marked the culmination of relentless dedication, unwavering commitment, and tireless efforts in the journey of the NAF to meet the defence and security needs of the beloved country.
He said,” Never in the history of our careers in the Nigerian Air Force have we witnessed this airfield radiate with such brilliance, in spite of several attempts in the past.
“Indeed, for most aircrew and aircraft operators, this day represents a dream fulfilled and a vision realised.
”The significance of the Kaduna military airfield cannot be over emphasised , We all know that the NAF Base Kaduna is the premier base, and its airfield has been a stronghold of the Nigerian Air Force since the time of the Nigerian Civil War.
” This airfield serves major operational units, which include the 401 Flying Training School, the 233 Wing of the 203 ISRG, and the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch.
” It also hosts the Nigerian Army UAV Group and civil operators like Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP (DANA).”
“This airspace is a beehive of flying activities, hosting various NAF platforms and welcoming visiting aircraft like the C-130, which graces the tarmac regularly for paradropping exercises and troop rotations.
According to Abubakar, the airfield is a linchpin in NAF’s operations and its strategic importance cannot be overemphasised.
He explained that in spite of the high rate of flying activities at the base, pilots faced challenges operating during nighttime and low-visibility conditions.
He said, ”These limitations thus hindered our sortie rates and ability to fully achieve our objectives.”
Abubakare said the tide has now turned in NAF’s favour with the installation of the world- class airport rotating beacon, approach lights and runway lights.
He said the AVLITE airfield light system was a state-of-the-art equipment that complied with both ICAO and FAA Photo-metrics.
“It is completely autonomous of any electric power from the grid or generators,”
He stressed that the lights could be activated wirelessly from a hand-held radio controller anywhere on the airfield.
“It also has zero carbon dioxide emissions with very low operating costs and is thus very ideal for the NAF.
” Indeed, this game changer will enhance our safety standards and enhance our fighting capabilities, “he said.
Abubakar said the upgraded facilities would improve NAF’sagility in terms of increased sortie rates and the ability to launch operations both day and night against bandits and insurgents.
He said, ”’It will enhance our resilience because of our ability to bounce back under adverse weather conditions.
”Thus enabling us to effectively meet the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.”
Abubakar said this transformation symboliised the coming to life of his command philosophy.
“I, therefore, make bold to promise all the good citizens of Nigeria, that there will be a marked difference in our fight against banditry and all forms of criminality in the Northwest and other parts of the country, “Abubakar said.
The Air chief appreciated Messrs SID and PAM Nigeria Limited for their professional excellence in bringing NAF up to speed in terms of global best practices.
Abubakar extolled the unflinching support of President Bola Tinubu, whose visionary leadership has inspired transformative advancements not only in the Nigerian Air Force but also in all aspects of national development.
