President Bola Tinubu has inducted two newly acquired T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigeriagn Air Force (NAF).
The President was represented at NAF Base, Makurdi, by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He described the acquisition and induction of the platforms as a symbol of his commitment to investment in national security.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of the new platforms would significantly enhance NAF’s combat efficiency in addressing contemporary security challenges, both domestically and within the West African region.
President called for discipline in operations and the establishment of a robust maintenance culture to maximise the benefits derived therein.
While acknowledging the substantial progress achieved in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, he stressed thatthere should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed.
He called for a change in mind set, strategy and tactics in addressing the menace.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of President Tinubu toward restoring peace in every part of Nigeria.
Badaru thanked the President for his foresight, resilient leadership, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the induction was a testimony of government’s unwavering resolve to equip and energise the NAF toward combating terrorism and other threats.
Abubakar said the NAF had since inception of Tinubu’s administration, inducted five new aircrafts into its fleet, including two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER
He said there were plans by the Airforce to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months
(C) ControlTV 2024.
