The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will bolster its aerial combat capabilities with the acquisition of 49 new aircraft by the end of 2026.
He made the disclosure on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference held at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
The conference is themed, “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.”
According to the air chief, the incoming fleet will include a mix of transport, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft: three CASA 295 transport planes, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter aircraft.
These platforms are described as technologically advanced systems that demand high-level maintenance.
“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively,” Abubakar stated.
The latest acquisition plan follows the arrival of 15 new aircraft over the past two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air planes, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance aircraft.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the need for a shift in maintenance approach across the Air Force, urging personnel to adopt “advanced, innovative, and data-driven aircraft and armament maintenance practices.”
He noted that the planned fleet expansion highlights the importance of strengthening engineering capabilities and fostering a more robust maintenance culture to meet the requirements of a modernized air force.
“In the last two years, the NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” he added.
The Air Chief also disclosed that the NAF had made notable investments in spare parts, logistics, and ground support equipment, aimed at keeping all operational aircraft fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, described engineering as essential to the Force’s mission success. He stated, “The backbone that supports the NAF’s mission and objectives,” while stressing that the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s security environment calls for a proactive and responsive maintenance system.
He added that the conference offers a valuable opportunity to share insights, craft strategic solutions, and cultivate a culture of engineering excellence that directly enhances NAF’s operational preparedness.
