NAF to induct combat helicopters Tuesday

The Nigerian Air Force will be inducting newly acquired T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft into its inventory on Tuesday.

T129 ATAK helicopter is a multirole combat aircraft used for armed reconnaissance, precision strike, and deep strike missions.

It can be used during the day or at night and in all environments regardless of the weather conditions.

King Air is used for special mission operations such as aerial surveys, air ambulance, flight inspection, and surveillance.

The Nigerian Air Force had in November 2023 confirmed the delivery of the first two of six T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries with the others expected to arrive before Q2 2024.

Also, one of the two acquired
Beechcraft King Air 360I aircraft was delivered to the service in November 2023.

Announcing the induction of the platforms in a statement on Monday, the Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, noted that the ceremony would be held in Benue State.

He noted that the President would be the special guest of honour.

The statement read, “NAF is set to induct its newly acquired T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft on February 6, 2024 at the NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue State.

“The induction ceremony will be performed by the Special Guest of Honour, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu to be represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.

“The event no doubt signifies a major boost to Nigeria’s national defence capability under the current dispensation.

“Specifically, the new platforms would enhance NAF’s firepower as it jointly confronts the various security challenges in the country, alongside sister services and other security agencies.”