Nigerian Air Force commander, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, talks to Alan Warnes about modernising the force’s capabilities while, simultaneously, fighting Boko Haram terrorists.
The NAF has also purchased three PAC JF-17 Thunders from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra.
“We are preparing for their arrival later this year [believed to be November] and, while the pilots and technicians are being trained, the infrastructure is being built,” he revealed. “The JF-17s will be based at Makurdi Air Base, or at the new Bauchi Air Base, where we are building a new hangar.”
He did not supply details of the JF-17’s weapons but did say: “We want the best to support our efforts, because terrorism is a global threat. We need to get what it takes to solve this problem and we want the training to dovetail in with the time when the aircraft arrive.”
The NAF enjoys a good relationship with the Pakistan Air Force, which is also overhauling its C-130 Hercules, with NAF assistance.
A C-130H (NAF 913) was reactivated after PDM at 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot in Ikeja, Lagos, on January 29. A low-resolution image, released by the NAF, showed at least six PAF personnel among the assembled dignitaries.
This is the second C-130H to be reactivated, following the return to service of NAF 917 on June 24, 2019. A third aircraft (NAF 918) should follow soon.
The NAF’s arrangement with the Islamabad-based Shaheen Foundation and PAF (SF-PAF) included on-the-job training, while also refreshing personnel knowledge on airframe, avionics/electrical and the T-56 powerplant.
During the January 29 ceremony, Abubakar said: “The 631 PDM could eventually transition to an authorised maintenance and repair organisation that wouldn’t just cater for the needs of the NAF, but also other countries in the region.
“Our revitalisation programme also currently includes three Alphajets and one Mi-35P helicopter.”
In October 2016, the NAF signed a deal with the PAF/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex for 10 new Super Mushshaks to help with their primary flying training. Initially, they were loaned four in December 2016.
The new aircraft were delivered in two batches, in July 2017 and January 2018, and the commander is very happy with the results.
“They are doing an excellent job at Kaduna (with the 401 Flying Training School), where they are based. The Super Mushshak acquisition has increased our training capacity by 500%.”
He added: “If the pilots then head to fixed-wing, the next stop is Makurdi to fly the Do 228. If it is helicopters, then they head to Enugu Air Base (home of the 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group).
Excerpts from:
Nigeria's fleet path to fight terror | africanaerospace.aero
by: Alan Warnes
12 May 2020
The NAF has also purchased three PAC JF-17 Thunders from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra.
“We are preparing for their arrival later this year [believed to be November] and, while the pilots and technicians are being trained, the infrastructure is being built,” he revealed. “The JF-17s will be based at Makurdi Air Base, or at the new Bauchi Air Base, where we are building a new hangar.”
He did not supply details of the JF-17’s weapons but did say: “We want the best to support our efforts, because terrorism is a global threat. We need to get what it takes to solve this problem and we want the training to dovetail in with the time when the aircraft arrive.”
The NAF enjoys a good relationship with the Pakistan Air Force, which is also overhauling its C-130 Hercules, with NAF assistance.
A C-130H (NAF 913) was reactivated after PDM at 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot in Ikeja, Lagos, on January 29. A low-resolution image, released by the NAF, showed at least six PAF personnel among the assembled dignitaries.
This is the second C-130H to be reactivated, following the return to service of NAF 917 on June 24, 2019. A third aircraft (NAF 918) should follow soon.
The NAF’s arrangement with the Islamabad-based Shaheen Foundation and PAF (SF-PAF) included on-the-job training, while also refreshing personnel knowledge on airframe, avionics/electrical and the T-56 powerplant.
During the January 29 ceremony, Abubakar said: “The 631 PDM could eventually transition to an authorised maintenance and repair organisation that wouldn’t just cater for the needs of the NAF, but also other countries in the region.
“Our revitalisation programme also currently includes three Alphajets and one Mi-35P helicopter.”
In October 2016, the NAF signed a deal with the PAF/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex for 10 new Super Mushshaks to help with their primary flying training. Initially, they were loaned four in December 2016.
The new aircraft were delivered in two batches, in July 2017 and January 2018, and the commander is very happy with the results.
“They are doing an excellent job at Kaduna (with the 401 Flying Training School), where they are based. The Super Mushshak acquisition has increased our training capacity by 500%.”
He added: “If the pilots then head to fixed-wing, the next stop is Makurdi to fly the Do 228. If it is helicopters, then they head to Enugu Air Base (home of the 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group).
Excerpts from:
Nigeria's fleet path to fight terror | africanaerospace.aero
by: Alan Warnes
12 May 2020
