The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, on Thursday, disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force would take delivery of additional fighter helicopters in December 2022, while other new acquisitions would be delivered in 2023.
He said that the new choppers would be in addition to the already acquired 38 aircrafts by the President, Major General Mohammadu Buhari (retd.)’s administration since 2015.
Amao, who made the disclosure on Thursday during the two-day Force operation seminar with the theme: ‘Harnessing Nigerian Air Force Combat Experience in Joint Military Operations for Doctrinal Development,’ held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, said the aircrafts would boost the Nigerian air power employment and projection capabilities as well as air combat training.
He listed the new aircraft platforms being expected to include: two Agusta 109 Trekker multi-role helicopters, two Beechcraft King Air 360, four Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft, three Wing Loong II UCAVs and six T-129 ATAK helicopters.
Others include: two CASA-295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 attack aircraft.
According to the Chief of Air Staff, “Under Mr President’s able leadership, the Federal Government has, since 2015, acquired 38 new aircraft to boost training and combat readiness of the NAF.