Boko Haram: NAF SEEKS US SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND FLEET MAINTENANCE
The Nigerian Air Force has solicited for necessary support from the United
States to keep functional its US-made platforms that are being employed in key roles in the
fight against insurgency in Northeast Nigeria.
A statement signed by Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa said, “The latest move is geared towards overcoming delay and hitches currently associated with equipment overhaul and provision of aircraft spares.
“The NAF is also seeking assistance in the area of training for pilots, engineers and other operations support specialists.
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He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during an official visit to the US met with the management of Lockheed Martin Corporation and Textron Aviation, the manufacturers of C-130H and Beech craft King Air 350i aircraft respectively.
“The objective was to establish rapport with the concerned US authorities with a view to strengthening identified areas of mutual cooperation that would enhance NAF’s overall operational readiness and efforts in the on-going counter-insurgency operations”.
Air Marshal Abubakar’s visit to the US is in the light of the delays that are currently being experienced in spares procurement, and is also at eliminating middlemen in the procurement chain. Furthermore, the visit to the companies will henceforth fast-track the procurement process and cut cost.
The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) visited promised to support the NAF and ensure prompt delivery of spares to Nigeria. The CAS team was conducted round the facilities visited.
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