The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will bolster its aerial fleet with the acquisition of 49 cutting-edge aircraft by the end of 2026.
He made this known on Wednesday while declaring open the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja. Themed “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships,” the conference brought together stakeholders in aviation engineering to explore ways to boost operational efficiency.
According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the incoming fleet includes three CASA 295 transport aircraft, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter jets all of which are technologically advanced platforms that require highly specialized maintenance.
The new acquisitions follow the delivery of 15 aircraft in the past two years, which comprise six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air planes, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance aircraft.
“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that demand sophisticated maintenance operations to function optimally,” the air chief stated, emphasizing the importance of adopting modern, innovative, and data-driven approaches to aircraft and armament maintenance.
He said the fleet expansion highlights the need to enhance the NAF’s engineering capacity and strengthen its maintenance culture in line with the evolving demands of a modern air force.
Abubakar also revealed that significant investments have been made in logistics, spare parts, and ground support equipment, with the goal of making all operable aircraft fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.
In his remarks, the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, described aircraft engineering as the backbone of the Nigerian Air Force’s mission and operational capabilities. He noted that the nation’s dynamic security landscape calls for a proactive and adaptable maintenance system.
Amodu said the conference offers a critical opportunity for knowledge exchange, the development of forward-thinking strategies, and the promotion of a culture of engineering excellence all aimed at improving the NAF’s overall readiness and effectiveness.
