By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it is technically and tactically poised to become Africa’s third largest Air Force, as it is set to take delivery of 48 new fighter aircraft within the next three years.
Briefing journalists at the NAF Headquarters Abuja on Tuesday in preparation of its 60th anniversary, the NAF said it is expecting “24 x M -346 Attack Aircraft and 12 x AW-109 Trekker Helicopters from Italy, and 12 x AH-1Z Attack Helicopters from the US”.
“If you spread these numbers across the country, you know what that means against insecurity. So going forward, you will see changes,” Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information told journalists.
Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, Chairman, Organizing Committee of the NAF 60th anniversary celebration, in his remarks, noted that the NAF has grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and beyond, and has also made giant strides in the area of Research & Development.
On events lined up to mark this year’s anniversary, the NAF said, “Some activities will occur simultaneously in NAF units across the country. These include medical outreaches to various host communities tomorrow Wednesday 15 May, 2024; followed by Juma’at prayers on Friday 17 May, 2024 in all NAF units. On Saturday, 18 May, 2024, there will be an outreach by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association in Abuja.
“Due to the emphasis on R&D in the NAF, there will be an Inter-Command Research and Development Competition on the same Saturday 18 May, 2024 here in Abuja. You will witness innovative solutions and projects undertaken and supported by the NAF leadership led by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. There will also be a Golf Kitty on Saturday 18 May 2024 at NAF Base Abuja.
“There will be an Inter-Denominational Church Service on 19 May, 2024 in all NAF bases. On May 20, 2024, there will be the unveiling of the newly licensed NAF Micro Finance Bank and the commissioning of several projects completed by the current leadership of the NAF in Abuja. The Third African Air Forces Forum, Conference, and Exhibition will take place from 23 to 24 May 2024 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
“The highpoint of the NAF Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration will be on Saturday, 25 May 2024 when we will feature a Ceremonial Parade, Aerial display and Flying out of retired senior officers of 37 and 38 Regular Courses,” Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme added.
He added that given the current economic realties, the leadership of the NAF has adopted a cost-saving approach – a Public Private Partnership model to organise and fund the event.
The NAF at 60 anniversary with the theme, ‘Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security’, will hold between May 23 and 25.
Largest African Air Forces
Currently, Egypt has the largest military aircraft fleet in Africa, and is arguably the most powerful on the continent.
The North African country currently has a total of 1,122 units in its active aircraft inventory, with 333 fighter jets and 318 helicopters in its fleet.
It is closely followed by the Algerian Air Force with 541 total units in its active aircraft inventory.
In its fleet, Algeria has 125 fighter jets and 252 helicopters.
The Nigerian Air Force currently among the top 10 in Africa, consisting of over 18,000 personnel as at 2021. Its aircraft include 9 Chengdu F-7s, 11Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jets, 3 JF-17 Thunder Block II and 12 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano aircraft, 24 Ameracchi M-346 FAs on order, attack helicopters, armed attack drones, and military transport aircraft.
