₦airaland Forum

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FG REDUCES PRESIDENTIAL AIR FLEET, RELEASES 2 HELICOPTERS TO NAF
The Nigerian Air Force has acquired 2 additional helicopters as part of the efforts to boost its fleet and operational capability. The Agusta Westland 101 helicopters were donated to the NAF by the Presidency as part of the on-going effort by the Federal Government to reduce the cost of governance, including the running of the Presidential Air Fleet. The executive helicopters are designed for VIP transportation and are equipped with ballistic defence capabilities and defensive aid suites.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (retired) handed over the helicopters to the NAF at a ceremony held in Abuja. Speaking at the occasion, the NSA stated that Mr President approved the release of the versatile platforms meant for his comfort to enhance the airlift capacity of the NAF to strengthen the efforts of the on-going campaign against insurgency in different parts of the country. With respect to the significance of the event, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali, while receiving the helicopters on behalf of the NAF, noted that the coming of the helicopters would help to foster the war against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminalities across the nation.
The helicopters, according to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Mshl Sadique Abubakar, would be reconfigured for tactical airlift of troops and logistics in support of combat operations. The CAS, in his acceptance speech, stated that the NAF has contacted the manufacturer of the helicopter and plans have been put in place to reconfigure one of the helicopters as air ambulance, and the other as a troop carrier.
It would be recalled that the Presidency in 2015 had earlier released one Agusta Westland 109 helicopter and one King Air Beechcraft aircraft to the NAF as part of the effort to downsize the Presidential Air Fleet. Furthermore, the FG is at the verge of selling one Falcon 7X and Hawker 4000 aircraft.

jteku:
PHOTONEWS: @MBuhari hands over two helicopters to the Nigerian Airforce leaving the Presidential Fleet with 6 Aircraft

Hope they would be repainted to suite CION...

CONCLUSION....

MORE.....

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PICTURE STORY OF THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF 63 REGULAR COURSE AT NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY

#SBSC...

#CION

Tunisia getting more Black Hawks, ScanEagle support


Sikorsky has been awarded a $38 million contract to provide another four Black Hawk helicopters to Tunisia, which will also be the recipient of a nearly $10 million contract to support its ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Sikorsky Aircraft was awarded a $38.4 million modification foreign military sales contract for four UH-60M uniquely modified aircraft in support of the Tunisian Ministry of National Defense, the US Department of Defence announced on 28 September. The work will have an estimated completion date of 30 April 2020.

An initial $3 838 600 was released from fiscal year 2016 other funds at the time of the contract award.

In July 2014 it emerged that Tunisia had requested 12 UH-60Ms but with recent contracts the North African country will receive now 16 Black Hawks.

In July last year the US Army has announced a $79.7 million contract to be executed by Sikorsky for four modified UH60M black Hawk helicopters for Tunisia. The contract followed the approval, in March 2015, of eight similar rotary-winged aircraft for the North African country under a $93.3 million contract.

All told the deal, including equipment, parts, training and logistic support, is estimated at $700 million for the first 12 helicopters.

The UH-60M Black Hawk variant Tunisia will receive is the most advanced model of the UH-60/S-70 series, and can be armed with rockets and missiles. The first eight helicopters Tunisia will get will be in a green (unmodified) configuration but Tunisia has requested Battlehawk kits to effectively turn the aircraft into attack helicopters. As part of the deal Tunisia will get 24 7.62 mm M134 Miniguns, 24 12.7 mm (.50 inch) GAU-19 Gatling guns, 20 M299 Hellfire missile pods and 24 70 mm Hydra rocket pods with 9 100 Hydra rockets and 100 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles.

Other equipment will include 15 Wescam MX-15Di or Brite Star II electro-optical/infrared designators and 30 AN/AVS-9 night-vision goggles. The countermeasures suite is to comprise AN/APR-39A(V)4 radar warning receivers, AN/AAR-57 missile warning systems, and AN/AVR-2B(V)1 laser warning systems.

The Black Hawks will be used in border patrol, rapid reaction and medevac taskings to support both Tunisian air and ground forces in counter-terrorism and border security operations.

The Tunisian military has been fighting militant groups allied to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) since 2012.

The US Department of Defence also last month issued a contract for equipment to support Tunisian ScanEagles. The $9 802 042 contract, announced on 29 September, was awarded to Insitu and is for the procurement of launch and recovery equipment, spares, support equipment, and support services for the ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system for the government of Tunisia Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Services Programme. Half the work will be performed in Bizerte, Tunisia, 40% in the United States and the rest in Beja, Tunisia, and is expected to be completed in September 2017.

In July this year Insitu was awarded a contract for a single ScanEagle UAV system for Tunisia. Tunisia’s Navy is an existing operator of the ScanEagle, operating an unknown number of the type.

jakeporeshenko:
IED or just stuck in a ditch ?

stuck in a ditch

Nigerian Army Sports Festival (NASFEST) 2016: It is happening live in Abuja. All are cordially invited:

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UPDATE ON OPERATION SHARAN DAJI

Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army involved in the fight against livestock rustling, armed banditry and kidnapping in the northwest geo-political zone of the country, have been recording successes.

Yesterday, troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, on patrol at Gobirawan Kwacha, Dansadau Emirate, Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, engaged armed bandits operating at the area, dealt with them decisively, recovered and destroyed 4 Motorcycles belonging to the criminals.

The troops also raided armed bandits camps at Tsannu and Rugga villages in Birnin Magaji and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamafara State. In the operation, 2 armed bandits were killed.

Similarly, the troops recovered a pair of military camouflage uniform, a motorcycle, Dane gun and solar panel at one of the camps.

The troops also carried out similar operation at an armed bandits hideout located at Dumburum forest in Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State in which an armed bandit was killed. The team recovered 15 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 3 Dane guns. The armed bandits camp was also destroyed.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

Libyan forces reduce Islamic State’s grip in Sirte to final few blocks

Islamic State controls a residential strip less than a kilometre long in their former stronghold in Libya's Sirte, where pro-government forces backed by US air strikes are advancing building by building to finish a five-month-old campaign.

Over the past two days, forces led by brigades from Misrata have pressed further into Sirte's neighbourhood Number Three as an intensified aerial bombardment and a barrage of tank fire slowly dislodged militant sniper positions.

Militants were clinging to an area called Manara, a sub- district that if ceded, Misrata commanders said, would leave them exposed to defeat in what was once the group's main base outside territory controlled in Iraq and Syria.

"This is the end for them," said Mohamed al-Ghasri, a spokesman for Misrata forces. "They have no other solutions, so that's why they are fighting fiercely to stay in Manara."

Losing control of Sirte is a major blow for Islamic State, depriving it of the only city it held in North Africa. The jihadist group is also on the defensive against US-backed campaigns in Iraq and Syria.

Victory for the Misrata-led forces would also provide a boost for a UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) that nominally commands them from Tripoli.

The GNA has so far struggled to exert its authority and recently saw a rival eastern commander, Kahlifa Haftar, seize some of Libya's major oil ports, one of which is less than 200 km from Sirte.

The campaign in Sirte has been costly and longer than many in Misrata expected. But with Islamic State militants pinned back to a few residential blocks, their capacity to use heavy weapons and suicide bombings has been reduced.

On Monday, Misrata-led forces found a vehicle packed with explosives that Islamic State had been unable to use.

AIR STRIKES

That was a day after the US intensified its air attacks on Sirte, carrying out 20 strikes against multiple fighting positions, according to US Africa Command. The US has launched just over 200 strikes since the start of its air campaign on August 1.

Many of the buildings in areas where recent fighting has taken place are ruined or reduced to rubble.

Misrata-led forces are still vulnerable to snipers, who they say are highly skilled and have adapted to air strikes by seeking better cover. On Sunday, a sniper claimed the life of a Dutch photographer - the second journalist to be killed in the campaign.

Forces have also had to deal with attacks from behind the front lines, including car bombings, which have fuelled fears of a continuing insurgent threat in the area after Sirte's capture.

On Sunday, the forces fended off a major ambush on their eastern flank. Rida Issa, a second spokesman for the Misrata-led operation, said as many as 55 bodies of slain Islamic State fighters had been counted after the attack, with another 25 counted around Manara.

"It is highest number of Daesh (Islamic State) bodies spotted since the beginning of battle against them in Sirte," Issa said.

"According to the observations of our front line commanders, the bodies found were those of Libyans, Tunisians and sub-Saharan Africans."

A further six had been killed as fleeing militants were pursued into the desert, Issa said. At least 11 of the government-backed fighters were killed in the past two days of fighting, with dozens more wounded.

That brought the total number killed since the start of the campaign to 560, said Akram Gliwan, a spokesman at Misrata's central hospital.

No running tally of Islamic State casualties has been kept, and militants' bodies are often left in the streets untouched because of fears of booby traps. By most estimates, the jihadist group had built up a force of between 2,000 and 5,000 in Sirte, many of them foreigners, before the battle started.

Common Missile Warning System for Egypt

The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt for Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) for AH-64E Apache, UH-60 Blackhawks, and CH-47 Chinook Helicopters and related equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $81.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 6, 2016.

The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale of:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):

Sixty-seven (67) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS).

This request also includes the following Non-MDE: OCONUS Installation/Integration, Installation Mounting Kits, Countermeasure Dispenser Test Set AN/ALM-294, Technical Assistance, U.S. Government Training and OCONUS Contractor Training, publications and technical documents, quality assurance and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $81.4 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale of the CMWS will equip the Egyptian Air Force’s fleet of multimission helicopters with a detection system for infrared missile threats. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be BAE Systems and DynCorp.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two (2) U.S. Government and two (2) contractor representatives to Egypt to support delivery of such equipment, installation and integration, maintenance and to provide technical support and equipment familiarization. Additionally, this program will require multiple trips involving U.S. Government and contractor personnel to participate in technical reviews, training and installation.

Is Kenya losing the war against al-Shabab?


http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/upfront/2016/10/kenya-losing-war-al-shabab-161007124819672.html

@THE NAVAL SHOOTING RANGE....

A SOLDIERS CREED

TROOPS ARREST BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS

In what could be described as bumper harvest in the wave of arrests of escaping and infiltrating remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the north east, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE with assistance of Civilian JTF, have arrested quite a number in Maiduguri and Mafa.

Yesterday afternoon, at Kasuwar Shanu (Cattle Market), one Abur Modu Magaji was apprehended by Civilian JTF and handed over to troops. Preliminary investigation shows that he admitted to rustling 45 cows from Saleh Mohamed with 20 other Boko Haram terrorists at gun point. He however cooperated and assisted in pointing out 7 other suspected terrorists at Mafa road checkpoint. The 3 suspects Ibrahim Chari, Bulama Magaji and Nde Ngude were positively identified as Boko Haram terrorists group members that he had operated with in the past, while 4 others; Mustafa Fannami, Abubakakar Modu, Mohammed Merai and Abur Mustafa bought cows from him out of the stolen animals.

Similarly, Bakura Agwala, Jatau Yaga and Umar Modu were arrested at a checkpoint along Maiduguri-Mafa road by troops with the assistance of Civilian JTF. The suspects also confessed that they were involved in attacks and livestock rustling.

Additionally, at about 5.00pm yesterday, troops also arrested Abacha Umar and Umar Babagana at Cattle Market. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects were from Bama and had participated in various Boko Haram terrorists attacks and cattle rustling. The suspects have been handed over to Joint Investigation Committee, while 18 recovered cows have been handed over to the Cattle Market Committee for screening and identification and subsequent hand over to their rightful owners.

Kindly disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

#RIP SOLDIER

A RED SMOKE GRENADE

**************WARNING DISTURBING IMAGES***************



TROOPS AVERTS ANOTHER SUICIDE BOMBING IN GWOZA

Today, Thursday 6th October 2016, at about 12.25pm, 3 female suicide bombers attempted to attack a military location at Gwoza, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.

The suicide bombers who came through Pulka axis were sighted by members of vigilante from a distance and alerted the troops about the impending catastrophe. The very observant vigilante also noted that the women looked suspicious; walking awkwardly with bulging hijab and distinct from other female farmers.

When the suicide bombers noticed that they were being observed, they hurriedly ran towards troops aiming to detonate it on them. The troops neutralized 2 of the female suicide bombers, while the other ran back into the bush but was pursued. Unfortunately, a soldier sustained injuries due to the impact of the explosion. The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment at a military medical centre and he is in stable condition.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

persius555:
Let's just hope somebody is taking notes. This is real time guerilla war expertise that the Nigeria military has developed over these few years.
These victories shouldn't be taken for granted. The lessons learnt so far could be invaluable to other countries in the nearest future.

Definitely.

LTGEN:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/troops-intercept-suicide-bomber-maiduguri-2
Hopefully these lessons are being shared at the NDA.

Definitely a lot would av changed frm the normal conventional warfare thought in NDA, considering the CION we r fighting presently.

*********DISTURBING IMAGES**********


TROOPS INTERCEPTS AND NEUTRALIZE SUICIDE BOMBER

Today at about 6.30am, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE intercepted and neutralized a male suicide bomber at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State.

The terrorist who attempted to infiltrate through the troops forward defences at Jidari Polo general area, came in through Alidawari village about 4 kilometres ahead of Jidari strapped with heavy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vest.

The vigilant troops on sighting him laid in wait for the intruder when vehemently refused to stop despite several warnings and challenges. A marksman neutralized the suicide bomber.

The combined team of Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) safely detonated the IED laden vest on the suicide bomber.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman

CONCLUSION..

-Soldiers exfil the field. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

CONTINUATION........


-A SAAF Oryx-based MEDEVAC. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Soldiers take up positions on the firing line. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-A mortar team provides fire support. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

CONTINUATION

-Troops ingress and prepare to fast rope in. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Soldiers fast rope down. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Ground forces prepare an LZ for follow-on troops. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

MORE PICTURES...


-A SAAF Rooivalk Mk 1 CSH in its UN (DRC) livery. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Good effect on target from SAAF aircraft. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

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PICTURES

-A FAC (with smoke grenades) and his team begin fire coordination. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

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Gripen fighter aircraft in formation. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE CAPABILITY 2016

On 13 September 2016 the South African Air Force hosted its annual Air Force Capability Demonstration (ACD). Featuring many of the SAAF’s aircraft firing at or transporting troops to static targets at the Roodewal weapons range, the ACD is a rare chance to see a live fire demonstration by the SANDF. ADR’s TRENT PERKINS was there to capture the ACD in pictures.