The Nigerian Air Force has disclosed that it is expecting the delivery of new fighter aircraft in the first quarter of 2023.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, made this known at the combined graduation of 831 airmen/airwomen personnel of the Regiment Training Centre and Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management at Shittu Aloa Auditorium in Airforce Base, Kaduna, on Friday.
The CAS, who was represented by the NAF’s Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshall Jackson Yusuf, thanked the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), for his unwavering support to NAF.
Amao noted that NAF would continue to invest in capacity building aimed at generating a combat force that would be an asset against all forms of internal and external threats.
He added that the force was reinvigorating its air power capabilities with the acquisition of new platforms and the adoption of new processes in line with changing security environment in the country.
He charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of both the Nigerian Air Force and the National Intelligence Agency by upholding the values, ethics and ethos of the Services.
The CAS said, “I want to thank the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force while reiterating our unalloyed loyalty to Mr President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We will continue to invest in capacity-building drives; aimed at generating combat forces capable of securing our national assets against all forms of internal and external threats.
“I am particularly delighted that this large number of personnel will be added to the pool of skilled manpower that will be available to commanders in the field to execute their various tasks.
“This achievement, alongside many other remarkable accomplishments we have witnessed this year, is consistent with the paradigm of continually pursuing purposeful training and human capacity development of all Nigerian Air Force personnel, which is a key driver of my Vision for the Nigerian Air Force.
“I implore you not to relent in your efforts, whilst remaining assured that Headquarters Nigerian Air Force will continue to support you to sustain your training efforts.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshall Ibikunle Daramola, said after the graduation the personnel were now better positioned to operate within the context of the fluid battle space where insurgents and bandits operate.,
He added that “this is to ensure the protection of our based and air assets that are critical to the projection of air power in current and future operation.”
A total of 831 personnel comprising, 13 NAF officers, and 791 airmen/airwomen and 27 personnel of National Intelligence Agency, successfully completed their various courses.
