The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced that the Nigerian Air Force is set to expand its fleet with the addition of 49 modern aircraft by the end of 2026.
Abubakar made this disclosure during the opening session of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference, held at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships,” brought together top NAF engineering minds and stakeholders.
According to the air chief, the fleet upgrade will feature an array of high-technology platforms, including three CASA 295 transport aircraft, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter jets.
“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively,” Abubakar stated.
He emphasized the importance of adopting advanced, innovative, and data-driven approaches in aircraft and armament maintenance to keep pace with the fleet’s growing complexity.
Highlighting NAF’s evolving capabilities, Abubakar noted that the ongoing expansion effort must be matched by strengthened engineering systems and improved maintenance culture.
“In the last two years, NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” he said.
He added that significant resources had already been allocated towards logistics, spare parts, and ground support equipment to upgrade and sustain the serviceability of existing aircraft, with a target of having all operational platforms fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Also speaking at the event, Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, described the engineering unit as “the backbone that supports the NAF’s mission and objectives.”
He explained that the ever-changing security landscape necessitates a forward-looking and responsive maintenance model.
“The conference provides a vital platform to exchange ideas, develop innovative strategies, and reinforce a culture of excellence in aircraft engineering that directly impacts the NAF’s operational readiness and efficiency,” Amodu said.
It’s worth noting that NAF has already received 15 new aircraft over the past two years.
These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air aircraft, and four Diamond 62 surveillance planes.
