- Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) recently announced that The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to receive 50 new aircraft by 2026
- NAF has already inducted 12 new aircraft into its fleet in the past year, with the service aiming to modernise its capabilities
- As part of its ongoing reforms, NAF established two new staff branches to enhance civil-military relations and promote transformation and innovation
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to receive 50 brand-new aircraft between December 2024 and 2026. This was disclosed during the second biannual meeting with Branch Chiefs and Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
According to Abubakar, NAF has inducted 12 aircraft into its fleet over the past year, marking a significant milestone for the service. He emphasised that such an achievement has not been seen in a long time, reflecting a period of transformation for the force.
He also stated that these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.
He admonished officers and men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.
Reflecting on the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, Abubakar highlighted how this milestone heralded a new era for the service. He reaffirmed the ambitious goal of acquiring 50 new aircraft within the coming years, calling it a remarkable achievement for the Air Force.
He said, “A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution.
“Over the past years, we have successfully inducted 12 aircraft into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.
“This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time. Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.
“I am confident that, under your leadership, the men and women under your commands will rise to the occasion and excel in all tasks set before them.”
Abubakar also touched on progress made since the last meeting with Branch Chiefs and AOCs in June, where several resolutions were reached. Notably, two new staff branches—Civil-Military Relations and NAF Transformation and Innovation have been established as part of ongoing reforms.
Abubakar said the meeting would offer them the opportunity to critically review progress, address shortcomings, recalibrate strategies, and strengthen their unity of purpose towards achieving the desired objectives.
The CAS concluded by saying that the current meeting would provide an opportunity to review progress, address shortcomings, and fine-tune strategies to ensure the NAF remains on track to achieve its objectives.
“Tokunbo plane that cost billions of dollars”: New presidential jet sparks outrage from Nigerians
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously wrote about how the acquisition of a new presidential jet, an Airbus A330, for Tinubu sparked widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians expressing their anger.
This was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. With this, Tinubu has a replacement for the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration.
Nigerians have reacted online, expressing their disgust for the administration.
