By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has received two new Diamond-62 (DA-62) aircraft at a brief ceremony in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement, said the two new platforms will add impetus to ongoing air operations across the federation.
Critics of the service, however, said, the delivery of the new aircraft is not unconnected with the federal government’s effort to replenish the NAF platforms, which suffered serious depletion through recent incessant air mishaps.
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Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted that the process that culminated in the reception of the two additional aircraft began about two years ago when the Federal Government (FG) appropriated funds for the acquisition of four Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.
He noted that out of the four aircraft, the first two aircraft were delivered between February and July 2023, while the remaining two were being received today.
Air Marshal Abubakar said the two DA-62 aircraft received earlier in the year have since been deployed to the operating theatres in support of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country.
While urging the air and ground crew that would handle the aircraft to eschew discipline and professionalism, Air Marshal Abubakar admonished them to also ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the aircraft in line with recommended best practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
He also implored them to leverage the capabilities available on the aircraft to enhance NAF’s operational efficiency.
Air Marshal Abubakar also noted that the receipt of the two additional DA-62 aircraft confirms the sincerity and commitment of the Government towards ensuring peace returns to hitherto troubled spots.
He added that the NAF will in no distant time take delivery of additional platforms that include the M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopter, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft.
The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, commended the NAF for its efforts, alongside other security agencies towards ridding the nation of its numerous security challenges.
He also expressed his appreciation for the CAS for making Ilorin the home base of the DA-62, which is indicative of the peaceful and conducive nature of the State.
Earlier in his address, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, noted that the acquisition of the DA-62 aircraft stems from its ability to carry out robust missions in furtherance of combat operations.
He added that domiciling the DA-62 under 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin will no doubt go a long way in breathing life into the unit while enhancing its operational activities.
