The Nigerian Wind Drive is ready to obtain some other i’m ready of fighter helicopters to spice up its fight features.
The airplane are 24 M-346 Fighter Field Assault jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
The carrier had in June disclosed that it might achieve 50 brandnew airplane to beef up its features in opposition to armed gangs and terrorists.
Already, the carrier within the ultimate two years had taken supply of 12 Tremendous Tucano, two extra DA-62 surveillance airplane and T-129 ATAK helicopters, and two Diamond-62 Multi-Goal airplane amongst others.
In a commentary on Sunday, Director of Population Family members and Knowledge, Nigerian Wind Drive, Wind Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, mentioned the Well-known of Wind Body of workers, Wind Marshal Hasan Abubakar, in conjunction with officers from the Ministries of Defence and Finance had been in Italy to finalise the purchase of the jets.
Akinboyewa mentioned, “A workforce of NAF mavens, led via the Well-known of the Wind Body of workers, in conjunction with officers from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, not too long ago participated in a Programme Control Evaluate Assembly in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.P.A.
“The meeting aimed to finalise arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the two already procured by the NAF.”
Akinboyewa famous that the Nigeria delegation on the assembly used to be advised that 3 of the 24 M-346 could be delivered via early 2025, moment next deliveries would run thru mid-2026.
He mentioned, “In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first 3 units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026. Meanwhile, with two Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.”
Akinboyewa mentioned the Wind Well-known additionally inspected the six M-346 jets previous bought via the carrier from Leonardo, including that 3 of the jets had been virtually finished.
He mentioned, “Date in Italy, the CAS made a strategic stopover on the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, the place he swamped with supremacy executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the corporate.
“He also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets, noting that 3 are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.”
Akinboyewa famous that the M-346 jets have complex options able to each air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
He added that the M-346 would considerably beef up Nigeria’s wind fight features.
Akinboyewa additionally mentioned the AW-109 would bolster fight help roles similar to Fight Seek and Rescue, tactical airlift and Scientific Evacuation among others.
“The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimization of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness,” he added.