The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has trained 97 pilots between January and November 2024, with 54 trained abroad and 43 locally. Additionally, 16 UAV operators were trained locally during the same period.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, during a winging ceremony for newly trained military pilots in Jahi, Abuja.

Abubakar stressed that training, operations, and safety are integral to fulfilling the Air Force’s constitutional mandate.

“It is, therefore, highly commendable that, for the first time, we are hosting a seminar that holistically integrates these three distinct yet interdependent domains, for meaningful dialogue and critical introspection.

Accordingly, the theme, ‘Agile and Resilient Air Power for National Security: Enhancing Safety and Optimizing NAF Air Operations to Combat Emerging Threats,’ aptly encapsulates, not only the critical interplay among the triad but also the strategic pathway to addressing the pressing demands of our time,” he said.

He noted that the Air Force’s goal is to enable all Nigerians to fully benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by 2025.

Abubakar credited the current administration with a “remarkable renaissance” in the Air Force, citing fleet renewal and enhanced operational readiness as evidence.

“Over the past year, we have taken delivery of 12 advanced aircraft. These include 2 KA-360i aircraft, 4 DA-62 aircraft, 4 T-129 helicopters, and 2 AW-109 Trekker helicopters. Before the end of this year, the Service is expecting additional deliveries of 2 T-129 helicopters and 1 KA-360i aircraft,” he said.

He added that in 2025, the Air Force would receive 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, 3 CASA-295 aircraft, and 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, making a total of 64 brand-new aircraft within three years.

Abubakar also disclosed the acquisition of 12 pre-owned Alpha Jet aircraft from the French Air Force through SOFEMA.

“While all 12 aircraft are ready for shipping, it is anticipated that 6 will be restored to operable status, with the remaining six used as spares to support the Alpha Jet fleet,” he said.

“It is no exaggeration to state that the Nigerian Air Force is experiencing a golden era under the current administration. We will not relent on the trust reposed in us by Mr. President but continue to consolidate on the operational gains made so far,” Abubakar added.