To strengthen the fight against terrorism, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Marshal Oladayo Amao, has requested for deeper collaboration and help of Turkey on defence technology in order to enhance operational efficiency.
Amao made the request when he paid a courtesy call on the Commander Turkish Air Force (TurAF), General Hasan Kucukakyuz, during a five-day official visit to Turkey.
According to Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Nigeria Air Force’s (NAF’s) Director of Public Relations and Information, in a statement at the weekend, Amao and Kucukakyuz emphasised the need for Nigeria and Turkey to share their experiences on the use of unmanned aircraft systems in counterterrorism operations.
According to them, this would enable strategic synergy and enhance proficiency with renewed commitment to wipe out terrorists.
Appreciating Turkish military experience in counter-terrorism operations, Air Commodore Amao stated that Turkey achieved successes against terrorists due to the usage of the right military equipment.
“Turkey has succeeded in developing a robust defence industrial sector capable of meeting up to a significant percentage of critical requirements of her armed forces and other security agencies,” he said.
Amao, therefore, called for greater collaborations with the Turkish Air Force. He appreciate the existing cooperation in training and extension of invitation for NAF personnel participation in some of the TurAF international military exercises.
He requested for more support from the TurAF in the areas of upgrade and modernization of platforms, air defence training, special forces training as well as training slots in information communication technology for NAF personnel.
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The Air Marshal noted that the two countries could greatly benefit from military student exchange training programmes as the consideration would enhance critical understanding of both countries’ security environments and deepen greater cooperation.
Reiterating the need for strong collaboration in defence technology, the CAS stated that the signing of Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement by both countries offered greater opportunity for the NAF and TurAF to work more closely together.
Kucukakyuz pledged that Turkish Air Force is willing to deepen cooperation with NAF by assisting the latter in any area that could ultimately strengthen its operational capabilities.
He stated that NAF would, henceforth, fully participate in its international military exercises, including ANATOLIA Eagle. The General promised to liaise with the NAF and assist in all areas of military cooperation with other Services in Turkey as well as defence procurement concerns.
They, therefore, agreed to fashion out modalities that would enable a meeting between officers of the both Air Forces to outline areas of comprehensive cooperation that could be of mutual value to them.
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