The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday winged 28 pilots to man various platforms recently acquired and enhance its ongoing operations across six geopolitical zones of the country.
This came just as the Service launched its first Safety Management System (SMS) manual and compendium, consolidating all aircraft accident investigation reports in the history of the NAF, aimed at enhancing safety during operations.
Speaking at this year’s NAF Training Operations and Safety Seminar in Abuja, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, disclosed that from January to November 2024, the NAF had trained 54 pilots abroad, 43 locally, while 16 UAV operators were also trained locally.
He explained that in the outgoing year, the service trained 405 airmen and 186 officers on various courses, seminars, and trips abroad, while 64 personnel were still undergoing courses abroad.
According to him, “Additionally, 5,474 and 1,331 personnel have completed and are undergoing various local training courses, respectively.”
Speaking on safety, the CAS said the service achieved a commendable milestone this year by recording zero manned aircraft accidents, which he said was a testament to the positive outcomes of continued investment in safety.
According to him, “I am also glad to announce that we conducted a comprehensive review of our safety policy, culminating in the development of our first-ever Safety Management System (SMS) manual, which I am proud to launch today.
“Additionally, I will be unveiling a compendium that consolidates all aircraft accident investigation reports in the history of the Nigerian Air Force. This landmark initiative, the first of its kind for the NAF, serves as a vital resource to ensure that lessons are learnt and the critical mistakes of the past are not repeated.
“Today marks another watershed moment for the Nigerian Air Force as we welcome the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to present the Accreditation Certificate to the NAF Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC). This certificate formally designates the centre as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), authorised to train and certify licensed air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and cabin crew.”
“We deeply appreciate the NCAA’s longstanding strategic partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, which has been instrumental in advancing our shared goals,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.
The Air Marshal also signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the Hybrid Health, Safety, and Environment Group. He noted that the MoU was part of the NAF’s efforts to further strengthen its collaborative efforts in enhancing safety standards across the aviation sector.
The NAF boss also honoured commanders whose “extraordinary gallantry and exceptional performance led ground offensives” that resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit leaders and gang members in Zamfara State.
According to him, their dedication and courage exemplify the highest ideals of service to our nation. “While the entire country is grateful for their remarkable contributions, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to recognising, motivating, and rewarding such exemplary individuals in a manner befitting their service and sacrifice,” he added.
The CAS further disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had taken delivery of 12 aircraft in the past 12 months. He explained, “These include two KA-360i aircraft, four DA-62 aircraft, four T-129 helicopters, and two AW-109 Trekker helicopters.”
He added that the NAF is also expecting additional deliveries of three aircraft, comprising two T-129 helicopters and one KA-360i aircraft, before the end of the year. With these deliveries, the force received a total of 64 brand-new aircraft in about three years.
According to him, “Next year, the NAF is also set to receive 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, and 3 CASA-295 aircraft, as well as 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters.”
“That is not all. In addition to these new acquisitions, we have also procured 12 pre-owned A-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force through SOFEMA. While all 12 aircraft are ready for shipping, it is anticipated that six will be restored to operable status, with the remaining six used as spares to support the Alpha Jet fleet.
“It is therefore no exaggeration to state that the Nigerian Air Force is experiencing a golden era under the current administration.
“It is a fact that under the leadership of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force has witnessed a remarkable renaissance, evident in the renewal of our aircraft fleet and enhanced operational readiness.”
The CAS assured that he and his team would continue to uphold the trust reposed in them by the President and continue to consolidate on the operational gains made by the NAF so far.
According to him, “Indeed, a review of our key performance indicators shows that, between June 2023 and September 2024, the Nigerian Air Force conducted 8,665 missions in 9,928 sorties within 15,915 flying hours. This underscores the magnitude of the relentless efforts of our personnel in all theatres of operations, including Operation Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Delta Safe, Safe Haven, Awa Tse, Udo Ka, and Whirl Stroke.”
He commended the Air Component Commanders for their “exceptional leadership and outstanding performance” and charged them to build on the successes and strive for greater excellence, “particularly with the anticipated induction of new platforms in the coming weeks and months.”
He also urged them to leverage the new technologies that come with the platforms “to make the ungoverned places smaller, as you extend the long arm of the law, to bring justice to terrorists and insurgents wherever they may be hiding, while simultaneously protecting innocent civilians.”
He noted the significance of building trust among the populace for the success of operations; hence, “Under my leadership, the NAF has instituted robust measures to uphold the highest standards of human rights, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the nation.”
According to him, “Some of these protective measures include strict adherence to the air targeting cycle and the use of precision-guided munitions.
“Additionally, we have continued to work with international stakeholders like the United States Air Force and the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT) to introduce new tactics, techniques, and procedures for improved air/ground integration.
“Furthermore, I recently gave my approval for a committee of officers to draw up the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan to improve our capacity to manage and mitigate civilian harm resulting from air operations.”
Also speaking, the Chief of Training and Operations of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal FO Edosa, while delivering the training highlights before the winging of 28 new NAF pilots and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators, informed of significant strides in fleet expansion and pilot training under the leadership of Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar.
He added that with 14 new platforms delivered and 50 more expected soon, the need for increased skilled aircrew cannot be overemphasised.
The pilots and UAV operators were recognised for completing rigorous courses, including fighter, helicopter, and UAV pilot training conducted in Nigeria, Egypt, and the United States. According to him, the training programs focused on advanced tactical, operational, and safety skills to enhance the NAF’s readiness for contemporary security challenges.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to bolstering the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) towards effectively addressing emerging security threats.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, also commended the NAF’s leadership under Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar for its proactive posture and decisive action in countering threats such as insurgency, terrorism, and banditry through effective utilisation of newly acquired assets and platforms.
He noted the remarkable progress achieved by the NAF and other defence and security agencies in restoring stability to the Northeast and other parts of the country, attributing this success to the synergy between deliberate mission-orientated training and effective operational execution.
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