FG Okays procurement of 12 attack helicopters for Army
In support of the operationalization of Nigerian Army Aviation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the purchase of the first 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters, which will enable the Nigerian Army (NA) Aviation to effectively address the country’s security challenges.
The purchase of the new attack helicopters is part of the Federal Government’s continued efforts to improve Army Aviation’s operational capabilities so that it can respond appropriately to current and potential security challenges.
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army Chief disclosed this at the Nigerian Army Aviation maiden seminar on Aviation Security Awareness in Abuja.
In his remarks at the 3 Day Seminar with the theme: “Enhancing the Capacity of the Nigerian Army Aviation towards Achieving Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint Environment”, the COAS expressed gratitude to the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for buying into the aspiration of the Nigerian Army Aviation and committing itself to making history.
According to the Army Chief, the Nigerian Army Aviation is being proactive by holding the first Nigerian Army Aviation Seminar, which is consistent with his Command Philosophy of “Transforming the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped, and Highly Motivated Force towards achieving its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.”
He stated that the conference will be a great opportunity to discuss crucial issues and share vital thoughts about the future of Nigerian Army Aviation.
General Lagbaja also stated that the Nigerian Army has made commendable progress in training pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, and other ground support crews since 2014.
He added that the Nigerian Army understands the highly technical nature of the aviation business and the need to be appropriately mentored, which is why it has formed international collaborations and has submitted its nascent aviation outfit to the mentoring of the Nigerian Air Force, as the Service does not have the luxury of making mistakes when it can learn from other experienced aviation outfits.
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The Army Chief stated that NA aviation is designed to improve the agility, responsiveness, and efficacy of ground troops while contributing to the overall operational success of joint and coalition forces, supporting those on the ground, and focusing on tactical and operational engagements, while the Air Force undertakes more complex tasks to achieve strategic effects.
The COAS emphasized that the experiences of several international community members are instructive and demonstrate efficacy in fighting contemporary security threats through crucial support to ground forces.
The COAS stated that the seminar’s ideas will help boost NA aviation capabilities through capacity building and infrastructure development, as well as lead to further purchase of cutting-edge platforms for the growth and development of a sustainable Nigerian Army Aviation.
Brigadier General Musa Alkali, Acting Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, remarked in his address that the NA recognizes the critical role of aviation in boosting ground operations and tackling the nation’s developing security issues.
He stated that the re-establishment of NA aviation in 2014 was a critical step towards expanding the reach and effectiveness of NA operations in fighting threats to national security.
He stated that the seminar is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to operationalize NA aviation and that the seminar’s collective knowledge and expertise will generate constructive dialogue that will guide the NA toward the actualization of a more robust and capable NA aviation.
The presentation of goodwill messages from the former Deputy Governor of Kebbi state and a member of the first generation of NA aviation pilots, Colonel Ismaila Yombe (rtd), the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor (rtd), and Representative of the Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Honourable Festus Akingbaso, was the highlight of the opening ceremony.
The seminar drew resource persons and participants from the services, the Nigeria Police, and other security agencies, Honourable Babajimi, Benson, former Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu (rtd), former Coordinator NA Aviation, Major General Johnson Olawunmi, Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Services Headquarters, Formation Commanders, and Heads of NA Establishments.