It is sad that this post has to be made in the politics section of nairaland. This site is the 4th most visited site in Nigeria. Surely, a section celebrating our men and women in uniform, should exist. But it doesn't.

Globally, it is a forgone conclusion that armies are only capable if air cover is sound. Russia is in a mess in Ukraine because the Russian airforce lacks the capability to provide air cover to troops on the ground.

Here's a shocking fact. The 3 topmost air forces in the world are:
1. The US Airforce
2. US Navy
3. US Marines.

The Airforce/air cover is the root of US military dominance globally. That's why the US remains the only country on Earth that can fight in two global theatres (atlantic/pacific) at the same time. No other country on Earth can do that.

It is said that the US doesn't have a fighting force. Rather, it has the largest logistics apparatus on Earth. Logistics wins wars. Hitler found out the hard way.

How does this relate to Nigeria's war on terror and the seeming incapability of our airforce? Now, the cheapest bomb on any of our flight capable fighter jets costs over 3000usd. The smart bombs the NAF uses, costs over 15000usd at a minimum. These are conservative estimates.

The Nigerian airforce is practically doing magic as it is, keeping her numerous platforms operational. The cheapest of these platforms cost over a million per flight hour.

If the Nigerian airforce should be fully funded, other arms will suffer. Other sectors will suffer. 3 billion dollars will barely take our airforce anywhere! The government knows this.

The alternative is to do what Russia does. Pushing men and officers to the front without cover and exposing them to needless deaths.

Our armed forces are capable but they are nothing without air cover. That cover is very expensive.

This is the most foolish conclusion about any war I ever heard.

How is Boko Haram without air cover our army or do they use spiritual air fire power unknown to man.

How was Taliban without airpower able to chase your almighty USA n it collation away from Afghanistan.

Have you read about Pearl Harbor n how the USA was thoroughly flogged with all the air fire power you daydream about.

Sound tactical analysis supercede air fire power, that is what Nigeria lack in the war with Boko Haram. We do not have daring commanders that can demand equipment they need to prosecute the war n proceed to win it. Note I didn't say air fire power is not great but it not as important as you think.


[quote author=Dogalmighty17
The alternative is to do what Russia does. Pushing men and officers to the front without cover and exposing them to needless deaths.

Our armed forces are capable but they are nothing without air cover. That cover is very expensive. [/quote]