The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday, received two additional Diamond-62 (DA-62) aircraft at a brief ceremony in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.
A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft were part of the four procured by federal government two years ago.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, in his remarks, stated that the process that culminated into the reception of the two additional aircraft began about two years ago when the Federal Government appropriated funds for the acquisition of four Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.
He said, “Out of the four aircraft, the first two aircraft were delivered between February and July 2023, while the remaining two were being received today.”
The CAS noted that 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.
Air Marshal Hasan while urging the air and ground crews that would handle the aircraft to eschew discipline and professionalism, 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.
The CAS in paying glowing tribute to the Federal Government for its commitment to revamping the fortunes of the NAF and other Services, also noted that the receipt of the two additional DA-62 aircraft confirmed 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.
In his remarks at the occasion, 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 appreciated the CAS for making Ilorin the homebase of the DA-62, which he said was indicative of the peaceful and conducive nature of the State.
He then assured the CAS of his administration’s unwavering support to the NAF and other security agencies in their onerous tasks of safeguarding lives and properties.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, noted that the acquisition of the DA-62 aircraft stemmed from its ability to carry out robust missions in furtherance of combat operations. He then added that domiciling the DA-62 under 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin will no doubt go a long way in breathing live into the unit while enhancing its operational activities.