The Nigerian Air Force is speeding up the process to acquire 12 advanced AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to improve its operational capabilities.
Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He explained that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, led a team to the United States for an important meeting about the purchase of the helicopters.
Ejodame disclosed that during the visit which took place from June 9 to 13 in San Diego, California, the team met with officials from the U.S. government and representatives from Bell Textron, the company that manufactures the AH-1Z helicopters.
“Following the meeting, Air Marshal Abubakar traveled to Camp Pendleton, California, where he visited military units involved in operating and maintaining the AH-1Z helicopters.
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“Air Marshal Abubakar was able to see the helicopters up close and spoke with senior officers from the U.S. Marine Corps about the best ways to use and maintain the aircrafts,” the air force statement said.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its ongoing partnership and support.
He emphasized that the new helicopters would greatly improve the Nigerian Air Force’s ability to carry out missions effectively and be ready for any challenges.
He assured that the NAF is committed to speeding up the procurement process to ensure the helicopters arrive as soon as possible.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the importance of learning from the U.S. Marines to ensure successful operation and support for the helicopters.
He also reiterated the NAF’s dedication to using its aircraft responsibly in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats to national security.
The goal, he added is to maintain peace and protect innocent lives in Nigeria, following internationally recognized rules of engagement.