Nigerian Air Force Bolsters Air Operations with Two New Diamond-62 Aircraft
Nigerian Air Force Bolsters Air Operations with Two New Diamond-62 Aircraft
In a move to bolster its ongoing air operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of two additional Diamond-62 (DA-62) aircraft in a brief yet vibrant ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
During the ceremony, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), emphasized that the journey leading to the reception of these two additional aircraft commenced approximately two years ago when the Federal Government (FG) allocated funds for the procurement of four Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.
In a statement by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, the Air Chief stated that out of the four aircraft, the first two were delivered between February and July 2023, with the remaining two being officially welcomed today.
Highlighting the deployment of the two DA-62 aircraft received earlier this year, Air Marshal Abubakar explained that they have been actively utilized in support of the NAF’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in conflict-ridden areas within the nation.
He urged both the air and ground crew responsible for these aircraft to maintain discipline and professionalism while ensuring their proper upkeep and operation in accordance with recommended practices provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer.He also encouraged them to leverage the aircraft’s capabilities to enhance the NAF’s operational efficiency.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government for its unwavering commitment to rejuvenating the Nigerian Air Force and other services.
He highlighted that the reception of these two additional DA-62 aircraft reaffirms the government’s dedication to bringing peace to previously troubled regions. He also announced the upcoming addition of various other 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, to the NAF’s fleet.
The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, commended the NAF and other security agencies for their efforts in addressing the nation’s security challenges. He also expressed gratitude to the CAS for choosing Ilorin as the home base for the DA-62 aircraft, which reflects the peaceful and conducive nature of the state.
Governor Abdulrahman assured the CAS of his administration’s steadfast support for the NAF and other security agencies in their crucial mission of safeguarding lives and properties.
In his welcome address, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, underlined the DA-62 aircraft’s ability to execute robust missions that advance combat operations.
He added that housing the DA-62 within the 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin will significantly enhance the unit’s operational capabilities and breathe new life into its activities.
