By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar and the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar are currently in Turkiye to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, by the Federal Government.
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, a statement issued on Sunday by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, stated.
General Guler promised the Defence Chief 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 CAS 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.
Nigerian Pilot recalls that the Federal Government procured 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industry, out of which two are to be delivered to the NAF in the coming weeks. The remaining helicopters are expected before the end of Second Quarter of 2024.
