The JF-17 Thunder, an export version of the JF-17A Block 2, is now the fastest aircraft in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inventory.
Three arrived at the NAF’s Makurdi Air Base (also known as Kwenev) on board a Pakistan Air Force Il-76 transport aircraft in March.
They were officially handed over to the NAF on May 21 during a ceremony marking the 57th anniversary of the service.
Over the years, the Nigerian Air Force has grown into a formidable force within the West African sub-region. Therefore, as the aerial force recently clocked 57, it underscored how far the service has gone in enhancing its airpower capabilities in response to contemporary national security challenges, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports
Since time immemorial, air power has been a critical factor in determining the outcome of any war. Essentially, for an efficient, effective and functional air force, capacity development is critical and fundamental. For the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the above rings true.
In its 57 years as a professional fighting force, the NAF has had its fair share of neglect and setback, just like any other sector of the economy, but from all indications, the NAF has a lot to celebrate especially with the progresses it has recorded over the years. Asides capacity building and welfare boost for personnel, they have also not done badly in acquisition of weaponry and platforms.