...3...

...4...

...last.

Lurker4Long:
Greenandgold, so yesterday afternoon I tell my woman I'm taking the dog out for a walk at Milnerton beach.
"But you hate Milnerton!"
I reply, "It's the closest beach where dogs are allowed to run freely."
I neglect to tell her AFB Ysterplaat is up the road and 2 Squadron and their Gripens are in town practicing for SONA.

The dog got her exercise, and the human got his fighter jet fix.

That's why one must always bring a proper camera everywhere they go....

This BS pisses me off. Almost a year to the day when a sniper shot at an Oryx in the DRC, injuring the pilot and killing Flight Sergeant Mabena, this happens.
The common denominator? Both aircraft were sent out without a pair of Rooivalk to provide top cover, as SAAF doctrine demands.

A South African Air Force (SAAF) Oryx medium transport helicopter was hit dozens of times by small arms fire while carrying out a casualty evacuation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday morning, with two crew injured.

SAAF sources indicate the aircraft (1247) from 22 Squadron was hit over 40 times while carrying out a medical evacuation, resulting in injury to the commander as well as a medic in the cabin. It is not clear who was firing at the helicopter, although it is suspected that M23 rebels were responsible.

The Oryx was badly damaged, with multiple rounds going through the cabin, cockpit, and main rotor blades, and causing damage to the hydraulic system.

The incident apparently occurred about 25 km north of Goma, and the crew managed to fly the aircraft directly to a Level 3 hospital (a fully equipped and staffed multidisciplinary UN field hospital).

GreenandGold:


That's why one must always bring a proper camera everywhere they go....

My cellphone pics of the jets were worse than my beach pic; luckily there are always plane spotters taking decent pics.

The Milkor 380 at the World Defense Show 2024

If you have binoculars, you'll at least read "God Bless You" just before your life flashes before your eyes

Lurker4Long:
This BS pisses me off. Almost a year to the day when a sniper shot at an Oryx in the DRC, injuring the pilot and killing Flight Sergeant Mabena, this happens.
The common denominator? Both aircraft were sent out without a pair of Rooivalk to provide top cover, as SAAF doctrine demands.

Imagine an Orxy being shot down and crew killed or captured. Imagine the bad PR it would have on our military..

I say the S. African contribution to the DRC UN mission should be scrapped, we have done more than enough there, the country will never be fixed as long as Paul Kagame is still in the Rwandan leadership.

GreenandGold:


Imagine an Orxy being shot down and crew killed or captured. Imagine the bad PR it would have on our military..

I say the S. African contribution to the DRC UN mission should be scrapped, we have done more than enough there, the country will never be fixed as long as Paul Kagame is still in the Rwandan leadership.

Well, the UN mission ends this year. And we've committed to a SADC mission (SAMIDRC) now that SAMIM in Moz is winding down.

PRESIDENT TINUBU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ENDING INSECURITY, INDUCTS NEW COMBAT HELICOPTERS INTO NAF INVENTORY

Counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, anti-crude oil theft and anti-kidnapping operations in Nigeria received a major boost as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inducted 2 new T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) earlier today, 6 February 2024, at NAF Base, Makurdi. The acquisition and induction of these platforms no doubt stands as a symbol of President Tinubu’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in national security as well as a solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's security. Speaking through the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu expressed confidence that the deployment of the newly acquired platforms would significantly enhance the combat efficiency of the NAF in addressing contemporary security challenges, both domestically and within the West African region. He then called for discipline in operations and the establishment of a robust maintenance culture to maximize the benefits derived therein. Speaking further, President Tinubu expressed pride in the NAF standing as a dependable regional power and emphasized his administration's dedication to supporting it. President Tinubu also reflected on his earlier commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the country for years. Although he noted that substantial progress has been achieved in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, there should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed. He then called for a change in mindset, strategy and tactics in addressing the menace.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Badaru Abubakar, acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of the President towards restoring peace in every part of Nigeria. He then expressed his gratitude to the President for his foresight, resilient leadership, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation. The Minister also reiterated the need for adherence to maintenance schedules and the implementation of robust safety practices to ensure the sustained serviceability status of the aircraft so as to derive maximum benefit for the nation. He urged NAF personnel to align their individual and collective actions with the vision of the President, emphasizing the pursuit of peace, stability, and rapid development objectives.

Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had noted that the induction ceremony bears glowing testimony of the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to equip and energize the NAF and indeed the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, towards combating terrorism and other threats facing the Nation. The CAS also disclosed that since Mr President assumed office, the NAF has inducted 5 new aircraft into its fleet, including 2 Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER. While emphasizing the importance of these acquisitions in line with the President's commitment to national security, the CAS highlighted the NAF's plan to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months. Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar assured Nigerians that though the NAF is operationally engaged on all fronts, it would not rest until it brings the war to a favourable end to ensure the peace and stability that Nigerians deserve. He then urged all Nigerians to keep the faith and hope in the advancement and prosperity of the nation.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of other distinguished dignitaries, including the Excutive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Hyacinth Alia, Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, members of the national assembly and several senior military officers, serving and retired.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

6 February 2024

Nigerian Air Force T-129 ATAK Helicopter and Beechraft 360ER King Air inducted into service.

Here’s a breakdown; By October 2022 NAF had placed orders or was in final stages of negotiations for 8 aircraft types.

2x AW109 Trekker helicopters
2x Beechcraft King Air 360 ISR
4x Diamond DA-62 ISR
6x T-129 ATAK helicopters
3x Wing Loong II UCAV
2x CASA-295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft
12x AH-1Z attack helicopters
24x M-346 trainer/attack aircrafts (First official confirmation from CAS).

55 aircraft’s in total, so far 10 have been delivered;

1x Beechcraft King Air 360 ISR
4x Diamond DA-62 ISR
2x T-129 ATAK helicopters
3x Wing Loong II UCAV.

kabe1:
Here’s a breakdown; By October 2022 NAF had placed orders or was in final stages of negotiations for 8 aircraft types.

2x AW109 Trekker helicopters
2x Beechcraft King Air 360 ISR
4x Diamond DA-62 ISR
6x T-129 ATAK helicopters
3x Wing Loong II UCAV
2x CASA-295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft
12x AH-1Z attack helicopters
24x M-346 trainer/attack aircrafts (First official confirmation from CAS).

55 aircraft’s in total, so far 10 have been delivered;

1x Beechcraft King Air 360 ISR
4x Diamond DA-62 ISR
2x T-129 ATAK helicopters
3x Wing Loong II UCAV.

@kabe1 nice job and break down, I thought we are getting 12 AW109 Trekker helicopter?

MiddleDimension:


At extra ordinary times, people say things. What about Israel that is intent on expelling the people completely so that only them will remain in the land?

The PLO accepted the existence of Israel long ago, but has Israel listened to theor concern of a palestinian state? What is stoping it if not the darkness in the heart of Israeli leadership?

When did I say I support Israel?

bidexiii:


@kabe1 nice job and break down, I thought we are getting 12 AW109 Trekker helicopter?

I think we've seen subsequent messages from the CAS showing we're no longer going for 12 units.

kabe1:
Nigerian Air Force T-129 ATAK Helicopter and Beechraft 360ER King Air inducted into service.

That's a sleek machine... nice one NAF

You guys will explain to us, why you left Amapiano to concentrate on football 😤

GreenandGold:


That's why one must always bring a proper camera everywhere they go....

Whilst some of us watch the jets from the beach, people with access and proper cameras get up close and personal.

Exnavyboy62:
You guys will explain to us, why you left Amapiano to concentrate on football 😤

STRAIGHT TO THE FINALS!!!, who goes amapiano😂💔😋

I am highly impressed with the south african national team.
They played a quality football today.
Accurate passes✅️
Impressive buildup to attack✅️
Accurate ball loading ✅️
I rated them high.
What !!!!!!. This guy's re good
Nigeria was jst lucky

QuietMynd:
I am highly impressed with the south african national team.
They played a quality football today.
Accurate passes✅️
Impressive buildup to attack✅️
Accurate ball loading ✅️
I rated them high.
What !!!!!!. This guy's re good
Nigeria was jst lucky

“Nigerian was just lucky”. CRY MORE BRO!!!
Tell Bafana Bafana to use quality football and enter Finals. Work smart not hard😜

QuietMynd:
I am highly impressed with the south african national team.
They played a quality football today.
Accurate passes✅️
Impressive buildup to attack✅️
Accurate ball loading ✅️
I rated them high.
What !!!!!!. This guy's re good
Nigeria was jst lucky

Yes they tried. Especially with their long passes.

But they were the lucky ones to even play until PK because Nigerian strikers were wasteful upfront. Check the stats again sir.

QuietMynd:
I am highly impressed with the south african national team.
They played a quality football today.
Accurate passes✅️
Impressive buildup to attack✅️
Accurate ball loading ✅️
I rated them high.
What !!!!!!. This guy's re good
Nigeria was jst lucky

Nigeria was lucky? You self defeating lad!

We were lucky to have a goal chalked off? I can't stand some of you!

Odunayaw:
Nigeria was lucky? You self defeating lad!

We were lucky to have a goal chalked off? I can't stand some of you!

.
Nah I am not.

Dude i was rooting for nigeria, I was jst impressed by their game play.
Seriously, they play a better football 2day compared to what our boys played.
Look at all the chances our boys blew away.
If we have played a good team, do u think we will qualify with a slim chance like we do
I never think they will give our boys this kind of challenge.

QuietMynd:

.
Nah I am not.

Dude i was rooting for nigeria, I was jst impressed by their game play.
Seriously, they play a better football 2daycompared to what our boys played.
Look at all the chances our boys blew away.
If we have played a good team, do u think we will qualify with a slim chance like we do
I never think they will give our boys this kind of challenge.

It is BLACK
It is WHITE

You're just saying the same thing contradicting yourself unnecessarily

Abeg go sleep.

QuietMynd:
I am highly impressed with the south african national team.
They played a quality football today.
Accurate passes✅️
Impressive buildup to attack✅️
Accurate ball loading ✅️
I rated them high.
What !!!!!!. This guy's re good
Nigeria was jst lucky

Nigeria scoring two goals of which one was cancelled cannot be luck bro..
Our keeper säving two Pk wasn't luck either

Don't know why you chose to shalaye this beautiful evening

QuietMynd:

.
Nah I am not.

Dude i was rooting for nigeria, I was jst impressed by their game play.
Seriously, they play a better football 2day compared to what our boys played.
Look at all the chances our boys blew away.
If we have played a good team, do u think we will qualify with a slim chance like we do
I never think they will give our boys this kind of challenge.

I give it to them that they did well first half. Looked like a team that did their homework.

But for ill-luck there wouldn't have been a penalty shootout. If any team has been lucky it certainly isn't us or should I say we have been lucky our ill-luck hasn't gotten the better of us.

We've had the most number of goals chalked off. Some scary thing

Congratulations Nigeria.

Bacteria8:


It is BLACK
It is WHITE

You're just saying the same thing contradicting yourself unnecessarily

Abeg go sleep.

Na Ur headache be that.
Take ur frustration comot 4 my front

Odunayaw:
I give it to them that they did well first half. Looked like a team that did their homework.

But for ill-luck there wouldn't have been a penalty shootout. If any team has been lucky it certainly isn't us or should I say we have been lucky our ill-luck hasn't gotten the better of us.

We've had the most number of goals chalked off. Some scary thing

Ur re right.

jl115:

2. Yes... it's an issue for less than 2% of the population

What say you to this dear sir

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1755266935703617613?t=vCDiZ3X0ysmFnblP13aotw&s=19