In a significant move to bolster the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Federal Government delivered two additional Diamond-62 (DA-62) aircraft into its inventory. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed his appreciation for this development during a ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The CAS highlighted the crucial role these new assets would play in enhancing the ongoing air operations of the NAF throughout the country. He revealed that the procurement process for these aircraft began several years ago when the Federal Government allocated funds for the acquisition of four Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF. The first two were received between February and July 2023, and now, with the arrival of the additional two, the NAF’s operational capabilities are set to be significantly augmented.
The CAS emphasized the importance of discipline, professionalism, proper maintenance, and adherence to recommended best practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer among the air and ground crew who will be handling these aircraft. He also encouraged leveraging the advanced capabilities of these aircraft to enhance the NAF’s operational efficiency.
The arrival of these additional aircraft signifies the government’s sincerity and commitment to restoring peace to troubled regions in the country. The NAF is set to receive more platforms, including the M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopter, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft in the near future.
Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State commended the efforts of the NAF and other security agencies in addressing the nation’s security challenges. He expressed his gratitude to the CAS for choosing Ilorin as the home base for the DA-62, a decision he saw as indicative of the peaceful and conducive nature of the state. The Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, AVM Tajudeen Yusuf, highlighted the DA-62’s robust mission capabilities, stating that its deployment under the 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin would significantly enhance the unit’s operational activities.
This development marks a positive stride in Nigeria’s efforts to bolster its security apparatus, promising increased operational effectiveness and a step closer to restoring stability and peace in troubled regions across the nation.