Air chief: We have acquired 12 additional fighter aircraft for NAF operations

Hassan Abubakar, chief of air staff (CAS), says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acquired 12 additional fighter aircraft to boost its operational capabilities.

The air chief spoke on Saturday during a parley with veterans of NAF residents in Kaduna.

Abubakar, represented by Idi Sani, NAF’s chief of administration, said the additional fighter aircraft include two King Air 360i light transport aircraft, four T-129 ATAK helicopters, two Agusta Westland 109 Trekker, and four DA-62 surveillance aircraft.

He said the NAF will also receive 24 M-346 fighter aircraft and 10 additional Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.

The CAS added that the NAF would take additional delivery of 50 brand-new aircraft between December 2025 and 2026, noting that the purchases are part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness.

“The Nigerian Air Force is committed to becoming a more effective and agile force capable of addressing the country’s security challenges,” he said.

“We have made significant progress in the last 18 months, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum.

“The acquisition of the new aircraft is a testament to our commitment to becoming a more effective and agile force.”

Abubakar said the NAF has also established new branches and directorates to focus on specific areas, including land administration, airworthiness, transformation and innovation, civil-military relations, and peace support operations.

The CAS noted that other efforts to improve successes have revolved around increasing strategic partnerships with foreign air forces and exhibitors.

Last month, Nigeria procured 12 pre-owned alpha jets from the French Air Force.

The jets were acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company.