Defence Minister and Air Chief Facilitate Speedy Delivery of Attack Helicopters

In order to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by the Federal Government of Nigeria, The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar embarked on a trip to Turkey. 

As part of programmes lined up for the visit, the Minister held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Lieutenant General Yasar Guler (Rtd), on critical bilateral and defence cooperation issues. 

General Guler promised the Nigerian Minister of Defence of every support required from the Turkish military and defence companies to further strengthen and accelerate the defeat of terrorism and other criminal challenges facing Nigeria.

The Minister and the Chief of Air Staff also visited some selected Turkish companies, including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan and Roketsan. These companies are among highly rated global defence companies renowned for the production of quality defence and military equipment. 

While at these companies, the Defence Minister called for improved synergy between the companies and Nigeria through the transfer of defence technology to Nigeria according to information from the Air Force and the Ministry of Defence. 

It would be recall that the Federal Government procured 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industry, out of which 2 are to be delivered to the NAF in the coming weeks. The remaining helicopters are expected before the end of Second Quarter of 2024.