Acquisition of 50 Aircraft by 2026: NAF Experiencing Golden Era under President Tinubu Administration – CAS

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has said that the induction of 12 aircraft into the Service inventory in the past year, with an additional 50 aircraft expected by 2026 under the President Bola Tinubu administration is a reflection of a new golden era of airpower for the Nigerian Air Force.

Speaking on the security challenges facing the nation at the beginning of the Second Bi-annual Meeting with NAF Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) of NAF field commanders and Commandants of Tri – Service institutions, Air Marshal Abubakar said the expanded counterinsurgency operations in the North-West as well as anti-oil theft operations in the South-South required the transformational leadership of the AOCs and Branch Chiefs to achieve NAF mandate

“This development is a “Golden Era” of transformation for the NAF. And I am optimistic that under the leadership of the current Branch Chiefs and AOCs, the Air Force would continue to rise to the occasion and fulfil the airpower requirements of national security” he said.

He credited their tireless efforts for the significant results seen on the ground, but emphasised the need for continued innovation, resilience, and adaptability to confront evolving threats.

Reaffirming the NAF’s “commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a safer and stronger Nigeria”, he pledged the absolute support of the NAF in contributing to national security and stability.

He noted in particular “Mr President’s determination to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is equipped with the best weapons, platforms and logistics to effectively carry out it’s constitutional role.

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, “pledged the unwavering loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu” and ‘expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Senior Leadership to spearhead the ongoing transformation for greater agility and resilience, towards more effective airpower delivery in pursuit of Nigeria’s national defence and security imperatives.

While congratulating those newly appointed to their roles, he emphasized that the appointments were indicative of their pedigree of hard work and dedication.

He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they steer their respective Branches and Commands to greater heights.

The CAS also expressed appreciation to members of the 39 Regular Course who were present, for their continued support and their enormous wealth of experience which undoubtedly had been a critical contributor to the NAF’s ongoing transformation.

He called for open, objective and constructive dialogue during the two-day meeting, expressing confidence that the outcomes would further consolidate the NAF’s capabilities for decisive airpower employment to ensure the security, safety and prosperity of the country.