Mohammed Bdaru, the Minister of Defence has disclosed that efforts are ongoing to ramp up the war against terrorism and banditry with the delivery of two Turkish-made attack helicopters in a few days.
According to the minister, the helicopters are part of the six fighter air platforms ordered from the President Edogan-led country.
The development comes two months after a NAF helicopter on a mission crashed in Niger state killing some top military officers.
The remaining four helicopters are expected to be delivered before the second quarter of 2024, the minister said in a statement.
The minister and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar are currently in Ankara, the country’s capital to facilitate a speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK NAF, according to a statement released on Sunday by NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Commodore Edward Gabkwet
The statement stressed that the federal government procured six units of T-129 ATAK helicopters from the Turkish Aerospace Industry.
The minister further stated that efforts are ongoing to collaborate with some Turkiye defence industries which he described as among the best in the world, to strengthen ties with the two countries.
The delegation also met with Turkiye Minister of Defence retired Lt.-Gen Yasar Guler, in other to foster bilateral and defence cooperation, the statement said.
The statement said, “These companies are among highly-rated global defence companies renowned for the production of quality defence and military equipment.
“While at these companies, the minister of defence called for improved synergy between the companies and Nigeria through the transfer of defence technology to Nigeria.’’
Meanwhile, Defence analysts insist that the federal government is in a hurry to acquire more air-fighting platforms due to the loss of some fighter jets and helicopters in the war against Boko haram and bandits in Northern Nigeria.
Two months ago, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed near Chukuba Village in Niger State killing some top military personnel.
