Nigeria’s Air Force officially took delivery of three JF-17 fighter aircraft Friday during a ceremony at a base in Makudri amid celebrations marking the 57th anniversary of the service.
The fighters were handed over by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, which constructed the aircraft and was responsible for their delivery. This marks the latest development in the Pakistan Air Force’s involvement in the Nigerian Air Force’s modernization program.A Pakistan Air Force news release stated the ceremony was attended by high-ranking officers from both forces.
The chief guest, Nigerian Defense Minister Bashir Magashi, thanked Pakistan and its Air Force for their role in modernizing the local service and helping Nigeria meet its security challenges.
“We are happy and excited on the addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan,” he said.
The Pakistan Air Force’s vice chief of the air staff, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali, pledged the manufacturers and the service will continue their support in helping Nigeria meet its air power requirements.
This has entailed delivery of MFI-17 Super Mushak basic trainers, Karakorum K-8 intermediate jet trainers (which Pakistan Aeronautical Complex equipped to fire unguided rockets), and technical help to keep the Nigerian fleet of F-7NI Fishcan fighters operational.
Pakistan’s Air Force has also trained Nigerian pilots and ground crew to support these aircraft, as well as enabled the African-based force to indigenously train personnel, making the whole training and maintenance process local.
Source: DefenseNews
The post Pakistan delivers JF-17 fighters to Nigerian Air Force appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS