The Nigerian Airforce (NAF), has increased the number of aircrafts in its fleet with the procurement of four Super Mushak Trainer Aircraft from Pakistan, for the training of student pilots.
Speaking during the induction and handing over of the aircraft in Kaduna, Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and his Pakistani counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, explained that the new platforms would boost the fight against insurgency.
He noted that the latest acquisition of the Super Mushak aircraft would equally impact positively on pilot training efforts of the Nigerian Airforce and also in line with President Muhammdu Buhari’s commitment to equip the service for enhanced professionalism.
The Super Mushshak is a military trainer / light attack aircraft designed and manufactured by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
It was designed to provide primary flight training to the pilots of the PAF Academy and also could be used for both military and civilian missions.
The symbolic commissioning of the aircraft at the 301 Flying Training School in Kaduna marks the official takeover of the new platforms by the Nigerian Airforce.
Fight Against Terrorism
The Pakistan Chief of Air Staff who handed over the aircraft to his Nigerian counterpart, described the induction of the aircraft as a valuable addition to the capacity building of the Nigerian Airforce and in the fight against terrorism.
According to him, “the existing global security scenario coupled with the changing dynamics of warfare calls for enhanced partnership among nations and their armed forces.
“Certainly, the induction of Super Mushak is a leap forward towards promoting strategic partnership.
“Indeed, both Pakistan and Nigeria are facing similar challenges and our countries are determined to maintain peace, stability and security.
“The armed forces of both countries have played a pivotal role in the war against terror.
Aman went on to compliment the government of Nigeria and its armed forces for resolute commitment and relentless efforts for elimination of the menace of terrorism.
“I am confident that together we can befittingly respond to these challenges. The convergence of our perceptions on different global issues ensures tremendous scope for our two nations for greater understanding and closer cooperation.
“I am proud to share that the armed forces of Pakistan have rendered unparalleled sacrifices and made tremendous contributions to eliminating the scourge of terrorism and restoring peace in the country.
“Our successes have received worldwide acclaim. It is pertinent to mention that in our more than a decade long war against terrorism, Pakistan Air Force has gained unique experiences in the domain of counter terrorism air operations, and we have established an air power of excellence,” Pakistains Airforce boss said.
Mr Abubakar on the other hand, sees the latest acquisition of new trainer aircraft is dawn of a new era.
According to him, “the NAF has made tremendous progress in platform reactivation, training and welfare of personnel.
“In the area of platform reactivation, the NAF has restored 15 airplanes and helicopters to flying status in the last 17 months. Efforts are also at an advanced stage to reactivate 4 additional airplanes that will very soon be serviceable and deployed for operations.
“Similarly, the government has approved the procurement/induction of 4 gunships, four medium airlift/utility helicopters, three light attack aircraft and 10 primary trainers, part of which we are inducting today.
“By the end of the first quarter of 2017, the NAF would have 21 additional new platforms in its inventory.
“We are highly excited of this development because the last time the NAF was given such number of platforms at a time was in the early 80s,” Nigeria’s Air Marshall said.
During the event, a total of 14 new pilots who have completed their training were decorated as flying officers. One after another, the pilots filed out for decoration by some dignitaries who graced the occasion.
The 301 Flying Training School Kaduna is Nigeria’s foremost institution for training pilots in the Nigerian Airforce.
Since its establishment in 1964, it has churned out hundreds of pilots including the current Chief of the Air Staff.
With the acquisition of these latest aircraft and the graduation of a new set of pilots into the Nigerian Air force, it is expected that the nation looks up to them as critical stakeholders in response to the national security imperatives.
