The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday, took delivery of two additional Diamond-62 Aircraft to boost the ongoing air operations against insurgency.
This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
According to the statement, while speaking at a brief ceremony in Ilorin, Kwara State while taking the delivery of the aircraft, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar who lauded the Federal Government over the acquisition noted that the process that culminated in the reception of the two additional aircraft began about two years ago when the Federal Government appropriated funds for the acquisition of four Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.
The Air Chief explained that ” out of the four aircraft, the first two aircraft were delivered between February and July 2023, while the remaining 2 were being received now.”
He noted that the 2 DA-62 aircraft received earlier in the year have since been deployed to the operating theatres in support of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country.
The statement added that while urging the air and ground crew that would handle the aircraft to eschew discipline and professionalism, Air Marshal Abubakar admonished them to also ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the aircraft in line with recommended best practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
He also implored them to leverage the capabilities available on the aircraft to enhance NAF’s operational efficiency.
It further explained that while paying glowing tribute to the FG for its commitment to revamping the fortunes of the NAF and other Services, Air Marshal Abubakar also noted that the receipt of the 2 additional DA-62 aircraft confirmed the sincerity and commitment of the Government towards ensuring peace returns to hitherto troubled spots.
The Air Chief assured the NAF would in no distant time take delivery of additional platforms that include the M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopter, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft.
It added that In his remarks Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, commended the NAF for its efforts, alongside other security agencies towards ridding the nation of its numerous security challenges.
He also expressed his appreciation for the CAS for making Ilorin the home base of the DA-62, which is indicative of the peaceful and conducive nature of the state.
He assured the CAS of his administration’s unwavering support to the NAF and other security agencies in their onerous tasks of safeguarding lives and properties.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, noted that the acquisition of the DA-62 aircraft stems from its ability to carry out robust missions in furtherance of combat operations.
He t added that domiciling the DA-62 under 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin would no doubt go a long way in breathing life into the unit while enhancing its operational activities.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then