The Nigerian Air Force, has revealed that it is expecting a brand-new fighter jet in the first quarter of 2023.
This was announced at the combined graduation of 831 airmen and airwomen from the Regiment Training Centre and Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management on Friday at Shittu Aloa Auditorium in Airforce Base, Kaduna, by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.
The Chief of Policy and Plans of the NAF, Air Vice Marshall Jackson Yusuf, spoke on behalf of the CAS, which commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous support of the NAF.
Amao stated that the NAF would continue to invest in capacity building to create a combat force that would be useful in fending off all types of internal and external threats.
He continued by saying that the force was reviving its air power capabilities through the adoption of new platforms and procedures in response to the nation’s shifting security landscape.
By respecting the ideals, ethics, and ethos of the Services, he urged the graduates to be worthy representatives of both the Nigerian Air Force and the National Intelligence Agency.
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 Vice Marshall Ibikunle Daramola, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, noted that the men were now better prepared to operate in the context of the fluid combat area 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 persons, including 27 employees of the National Intelligence Agency, 791 airmen and women, and 13 NAF officers, successfully finished their respective courses.
