NAF Takes Delivery Of 2 Additional Diamond-62 Aircraft In Ilorin… It’ll Strengthen Search And Rescue Operations-Gov AbdulRazaq
The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday disclosed that it has taken delivery of two additional Diamond-62 aircraft describing this as part of the ongoing efforts to fight insecurity in the country by enhancing its air operations.
Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet in a statement on Wednesday noted that the two new aircraft were formally received in Ilorin, Kwara state.
He quoted the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar as submitting that the process that gave birth to the arrival of the Diamond-62 aircraft began about two years ago sequel to the appropriation of funds for four Diamond-62 aircraft by the Federal Government.
‘Out of the four aircraft, the first two aircraft were delivered between February and July 2023 while the remaining two are being received today’ the statement quoted him to have said.
Abubakar also added that the two DA-62 aircraft received earlier in the year have since been deployed to the operating theatres in support of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas in the country.
He urged the air and ground crew that would be handling the aircraft to ensure discipline and professionalism, and ‘ensure proper maintenance and operation of the aircraft in line with recommended best practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer’.
‘In paying glowing tribute to the FG for its commitment to revamping the fortunes of the NAF and other Services, the CAS also noted that the receipt of the two additional aircraft confirms the sincerity and commitment of the government towards ensuring peace returns to hitherto troubled spots.
He went on to add that the NAF will in no distant time take delivery of additional platforms that include the M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopter, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft’ the statement added.
In separate statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was quoted to have noted that the receipt of the last 2 sets of four Diamond 62 multi-purpose platform special mission aircraft by the 303 Medium Aircraft Group , Ilorin, will strengthen the country’s surveillance and search-and-rescue capabilities.
The governor also said the presence of the Nigerian Air Force and other sister security agencies in the state has helped to sustain the peace and secure Kwara state.
‘These sophisticated aircraft could not have come at a more auspicious time as the Nigerian Air Force maintains its robust presence in all theatres of operation across the country’ he said.
The governor, who congratulated the Chief of Air Staff , Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar on the successful delivery and receipt of the aircraft, said it would be a ‘game changer’ as they serve to unmask the hideouts of criminal elements within and outside Kwara.
‘I believe the two aircraft will strengthen the surveillance and search-and-rescue capability of the Nigerian nation, including in Kwara state. It will also boost internal security operations, especially the indigenous operation HARMONY. I am confident that these air assets will also serve to haunt down all criminal elements wherever they may want to hide’ he added.
The governor commended the efforts of the Commander 303 Medium Airlift Group (MAG), Captain Dan Apyeyak, who “has actively been supporting the efforts of the State Government to keep the peace and secure the state since assuming office as Commander in June this year’.
The event was attended by the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf; Commander 303 Medium Airlift Group (MAG) Captain Dan Apyeyak; Commissioner of Police, Mr Victor Olaiya; and some heads of other security agencies
The statement also quoted Air Marshal Abubakar to have said the additional Diamond 62 aircraft delivered to 303 Medium Aircraft Group in Ilorin will be deployed to operational areas where they are most needed in any part of the country.
‘I am delighted to inform you that the 2 Diamond 62 aircraft earlier delivered were deployed to Op HADARIN DAJI and Op HADIN KAI in the North-East and North-West respectively, and have greatly enhanced the effectiveness of our land, sea and air operations in these areas’ he said.
The Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, also disclosed that the NAF acquired the Diamond 62 Multi-Purpose Platform mainly to strengthen its capability to carry out robust ISR missions during combat operations.
‘The Diamond DA62 is a five-to seven-seat, twin-engine light multipurpose aircraft produced by Messrs Diamond Aircraft Industries of Austria, it can be used for pilot training and light liaison missions.
The Diamond 62 aircraft can also be configured for manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
