The Nigerian Air Force has stated that new fighter aircraft will be delivered in the first quarter of 2023.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, announced this at the graduation of 831 airmen/airwomen from the Regiment Training Centre and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management on Friday at Shittu Aloa Auditorium in Airforce Base, Kaduna.
The CAS thanked the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), for his unwavering support for the NAF, who was represented by the NAF’s Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshall Jackson Yusuf.
Amao stated that the NAF would continue to invest in capacity building in order to develop a combat force that would be useful against all types of internal and external threats.
He added that the force was reinvigorating its air power capabilities with the acquisition of new platforms and the adoption of new processes in line with changing security environment in the country.
He charged the graduates with being good ambassadors for both the Nigerian Air Force and the National Intelligence Agency by upholding the Services’ values, ethics, and ethos.
“I want to thank the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force while reiterating our unwavering loyalty to Mr President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the CAS stated.
“We will continue to invest in capacity-building drives; aimed at generating combat forces capable of securing our national assets against all forms of internal and external threats.
“I am particularly delighted that this large number of personnel will be added to the pool of skilled manpower that will be available to commanders in the field to execute their various tasks.
“This achievement, alongside many other remarkable accomplishments we have witnessed this year, is consistent with the paradigm of continually pursuing purposeful training and human capacity development of all Nigerian Air Force personnel, which is a key driver of my Vision for the Nigerian Air Force.
“I implore you not to give up your efforts, and please know that Headquarters Nigerian Air Force will continue to support you in your training efforts.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Air Vice Marshall Ibikunle Daramola, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, stated that the personnel were now better positioned to operate within the context of the fluid battle space where insurgents and bandits operate.
“This is to ensure the protection of our based and air assets that are critical to the projection of air power in current and future operations,” he added.
A total of 831 personnel, including 13 NAF officers, 791 airmen/airwomen, and 27 National Intelligence Agency personnel, successfully completed their various courses.
