In a significant boost to its ongoing air operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially received two additional Diamond-62 (DA-62) aircraft.
The delivery took place at a colorful ceremony in Ilorin, Kwara State on October 11, 2023. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised the Federal Government (FG) for its commitment to revamping the NAF’s capabilities and supporting peace efforts in the country.
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The process leading to the reception of these aircraft began approximately two years ago when the FG allocated funds for the acquisition of four DA-62 aircraft.
Earlier this year, the first two were delivered, and the latest two were received today. CAS Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted that the first set of DA-62 aircraft had already been deployed to support ongoing peace and stability efforts in troubled areas within Nigeria.
Air Marshal Abubakar urged the air and ground crew responsible for these aircraft to uphold discipline and professionalism while ensuring their proper maintenance and operation.
He emphasized leveraging the aircraft’s capabilities to enhance NAF’s operational efficiency.
The CAS also confirmed that the NAF is set to receive additional platforms, including M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopters, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to bolstering security and peace efforts.
The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, praised the NAF and other security agencies for their dedication in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
He expressed gratitude to CAS for choosing Ilorin as the homebase of the DA-62, reflecting the peaceful and conducive nature of the state.
Governor Abdulrahman assured continued support from his administration for NAF and other security agencies in their vital roles of safeguarding lives and property.
Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, highlighted the DA-62’s capability to conduct robust missions in combat operations.
Domiciling the aircraft under the 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin is expected to breathe new life into the unit while enhancing its operational activities.