₦airaland Forum

[/b]NAF ENGAGES SOUTH-EAST STAKEHOLDERS, BOLSTERS PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE[b]

In a move to consolidate peace and strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s security architecture, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, has intensified non-kinetic efforts aimed at securing the South-East region. The latest engagement, led by the Air Component Commander (ACC) of the Joint Task Force South-East, took place in ISI-UZO Local Government Area of Enugu State and marks a significant milestone in civil-military cooperation by the NAF in the region.

The forum, held in Ogbete and Agamede communities, featured candid discussions around security concerns, especially public misperceptions surrounding recent helicopter flights. Clarifying these operations helped douse tensions and demonstrated the Air Force’s readiness to demystify its presence while addressing community fears directly. The Anglican Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese, Right Reverend Daniel Nkemjika Olinya, Senior Special Adviser to the Enugu State Government on Security, Honourable Vincent Onyeabor and the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Barrister Obiora Obeagu, were among notable stakeholders who lauded the initiative and encouraged continued collaboration for regional stability.

The visit, anchored on CAS’s command philosophy of “purposeful training and mission-oriented force development for enhanced national security,” is part of broader efforts to integrate local voices into security planning. According to Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, “True victory in any conflict lies not only in defeating the enemy but in winning the confidence of the people we serve.” As the NAF continues to leverage soft power in tandem with kinetic operations, its commitment to dialogue, transparency, and community partnership remains a cornerstone of national security efforts in the South-East and beyond.

#WinningHeartsAndMinds #NAFForPeace #StakeholderEngagement #OpUDOKA #SecureNigeria #NonKineticStrategy #CivilMilitaryRelations #CASCommandPhilosophy

More

[/b]NAF TARGETS 90% AIRCRAFT SERVICEABILITY BY Q4 2025 AS CAS LEADS PUSH FOR ENGINEERING REFORM[b]

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has restated the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) firm resolve to enhance aircraft availability through sound maintenance culture, institutional reforms, and strategic partnerships. He made this known while declaring open the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference at HQ NAF Abuja, describing the event as “timely and transformative.” The CAS emphasized that “mission success in contemporary air operations is directly tied to the availability, airworthiness, and sustained performance of aircraft platforms.”

With the theme “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships,” the conference gathered serving and retired engineering professionals to strengthen solutions for sustaining air power amid fleet expansion. The CAS revealed NAF’s current serviceability rate of 72% and unveiled a bold target of 90% by Q4 2025, driven by investments in predictive maintenance, spares, ground equipment, and digital documentation. He also announced the establishment of a Directorate of Aircraft Life Cycle Management (DALCM) to oversee long-term fleet health from induction to retirement.

The conference featured insightful papers on technical documentation and local–international collaboration in aircraft maintenance, sparking solution-oriented discussions. Commending the CAS for his visionary support, Chief of Aircraft Engineering AVM AI Amodu noted that “we are the backbone of the Force.” As Day Two continues, the Conference sets a clear path toward a smarter, mission-ready NAF anchored on innovation, engineering excellence, and strategic collaboration.

#NAF2025 #CASinAction #EngineeringExcellence #AirPowerForNigeria #AircraftServiceability #NAFTransformation #MaintenanceCulture #DALCM #InnovationInDefence #CombatReadyForce #DefenceLeadership #NAFConference

[/b]NAF Set To Acquire 49 New Fighter Jets[b]




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f50m3Va3XAM?si=gjPoj0OSbApS9G0g

bidexiii:
[/b]NAF Set To Acquire 49 New Fighter Jets[b]




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f50m3Va3XAM?si=gjPoj0OSbApS9G0g

Good development! However, as is usual with the Nigerian media, the caption is misleading, and not for the first time!
Our media seem to thing that every military aircraft is a fighter jet. However, that list includes Transport Aircraft (which are turbo prop aircraft, and not even fighters to start with) and Attack helicopters, which are also not fighter jets.

For an aircraft to be a jet, it must have a jet engine. This is similar to their mistake of terming every Amoured Fighting Vehicle an 'amoured tank' without consideration for the fact that Tanks are different from MRAPs, APCs etc.!

The airforce should please organize a forum to educate them and improve their understanding of basic military nomenclature.

VonSmallhausen:
Good development! However, as is usual with the Nigerian media, the caption is misleading, and not for the first time!
Our media seem to thing that every military aircraft is a fighter jet. However, that list includes Transport Aircraft (which are turbo prop aircraft, and not even fighters to start with) and Attack helicopters, which are also not fighter jets.

For an aircraft to be a jet, it must have a jet engine. This is similar to their mistake of terming every Amoured Fighting Vehicle an 'amoured tank' without consideration for the fact that Tanks are different from MRAPs, APCs etc.!

The airforce should please organize a forum to educate them and improve their understanding of basic military nomenclature.

Thank you

[/b]AFMS @ 45: FORGING TOMORROW'S LEADERS THROUGH DISCIPLINE AND EXCELLENCE[b]

For over four-and-a-half decades, Air Force Military School (AFMS) Jos has stood as a beacon of excellence in training and character development. Established in 1980, the school has evolved into a premier Air Force military college, renowned for shaping young minds into principled and purpose-driven men. From its humble beginnings, AFMS Jos has produced generations of well-rounded men, deeply rooted in the values of integrity, loyalty, and service. Notably, the school has produced a remarkable number of military generals—some now retired and about 65 currently serving across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force—alongside accomplished professionals in civil, military and business sectors, both at home and abroad.

At the heart of AFMS Jos is a rigorous military-inspired training program that shapes Junior Airmen (JAM) into disciplined, focused individuals ready to face any challenge. Through structured drills, leadership routines, and an immersive regimented lifestyle, JAM develop habits of punctuality, respect, resilience, and accountability. These enduring values, combined with high academic standards, equip JAM to thrive in all spheres of life. An exceptional privilege reserved for AFMS graduates is the direct absorption into the Nigerian Air Force as Airmen, having undergone foundational military training that gives them a strong footing in service and leadership. AFMS will produce it's next set of graduates on 26 July 2025.

The continued success of AFMS Jos is a reflection of strategic foresight and leadership, expressly under the current Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, whose command philosophy emphasizes purposeful training and operational excellence. His commitment to youth development and institutional advancement has reinforced the school's mission, inspiring its staff and students alike. As AFMS Jos marks its 45th anniversary, it stands tall—not just as a school, but as a crucible where discipline, patriotism, and excellence are forged into future leaders.

#AFMSAt45 #NAFExcellence #ForgingLeaders #JuniorAirmen #AFMSLegacy #CASLeadership #Disciplin

More..

What the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Can Do




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKbK7wMt6TQ?si=zdLqqisZtl7URr7Z



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw8HTzU4Vbg?si=U3EtTaxj5Z2Tly8l

What they can do is have politicians talking? No tour of facilities, look at the odd seconds they used to mention anything they actually are doing

bidexiii:
What the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Can Do




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKbK7wMt6TQ?si=zdLqqisZtl7URr7Z



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw8HTzU4Vbg?si=U3EtTaxj5Z2Tly8l

#NA
#ÐRONE WARFARE

bidexiii:
[/b]Troops of Op FOREST SANITY III launched a fighting patrol from Maru LGA, Zamfara State, through Kaboro and Sangeko to Makuku and Dankolo in Kebbi State, based on intel on terrorist movement on 22 Jul 25.They linked up with forces at FOB Rijau and Warari, Niger State, and engaged terrorists in a firefight, neutralizing several and destroying 18 motorcycles. AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines were recovered. Sadly, one soldier paid the supreme price.
A follow-up on 23 Jul 25 led to more weapon and motorcycle recoveries. Troops remain on high alert amid reports of terrorist regrouping[b]

More...

[/b]NAF BOOSTS BATTLESPACE DOMINANCE WITH NEW COMBAT-READY UAV OPERATORS[b]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated a new batch of combat-ready Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators following the successful completion of Operational Conversion Training Course 3/2024. The ceremony, held on 24 July 2025 at 233 Wing Hangar, Kaduna, marks a significant leap in NAF’s efforts to enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This development reinforces the NAF’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s battlespace dominance through improved precision, real-time intelligence gathering, and aerial support to ongoing counterinsurgency and internal security operations across the country.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, at the event, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, described the graduation as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s defence posture. Air Marshal Abubakar noted that this achievement reflects his vision of building a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of addressing emerging security threats. He commended the graduating UAV operators for their resilience and professionalism, urging them to uphold the values of discipline and excellence as they contribute actionable intelligence to support joint force operations.

The CAS further charged the new operators to remain innovative, embrace continuous learning, and collaborate across engineering, intelligence, and operational domains to enhance mission outcomes. He emphasised that UAV warfare is rapidly evolving, requiring not only flying skills but the ability to fuse data, think strategically, and act decisively. The well-attended event, which drew senior officers, families, and well-wishers, highlighted the NAF’s forward-leaning approach to modern warfare and its steadfast commitment to defending the nation through cutting-edge technology and skilled manpower.

#NAFForward #UAVOperators #BattlefieldDominance #PrecisionISR #AirPower #NigerianAirForce #MissionReady #NationalSecurity #PeoplesAirForce

bidexiii:
#NA
#ÐRONE WARFARE

NA ELECTRONIC WALFARE

[/b]Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash[b]



Troops of the Nigerian Army have scored a major psychological and intelligence victory against terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following the killing of a group’s cameraman during a failed attack on Bitta town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops not only repelled the assault but also recovered a sophisticated camcorder used by the terrorists to record propaganda footage.

Security sources confirmed that the insurgents had planned to use the failed operation to generate fear-inducing content aimed at glorifying their attack and disseminating false narratives through online channels.

The ISWAP cameraman was identified by the equipment he carried, which included a ruggedised camcorder and media pouches strapped to his vest. He was taken down in the heat of the exchange.

The camera contained footages that is now being processed for intelligence exploitation.

NAF JF17 THUNDER BLOCK-II CARRYING ASELPOD



https://youtube.com/shorts/rjfathA-esY?si=iUfulWccFyx_PVA0

bidexiii:
[/b]Members of the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation are conducting an oversight visit at Denel on Tuesday, 25 March 2025[b]

more..

[/b]Rooivalk Attack Helicopter (AH‑2)

Fleet Status & Serviceability[b]
The Rooivalk fleet comprises 11 airframes; however, by mid‑2023, only 4 were operational, with several grounded for maintenance, and berely 13 out of 23 engines were serviceable.

As of early 2024, only 2 Rooivalk helicopters were capable of flight under restrictions; the avionics, targeting systems, and self-defence suites are predominantly outdated.

According to additional data, the fleet’s availability stood at a mere 30%, with only 2 helicopters available to support missions due to aircrew currency challenges.

[/b]Maintenance and Upgrades[b]
In February 2024, Denel’s fixed maintenance contract expired and had not been renewed, putting deployments in the DRC and Mozambique at risk.
Nevertheless, a R 1.2 billion repair initiative was sanctioned in April 2024 to restore 4 Oryx and 4 Rooivalk helicopters over a budgeted programme spanning 3 years.

[/b]Modernisation Plans[b]
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Turkish firm Aselsan details a partnership for avionics modernization of the Rooivalk, with the objective of addressing obsolescence and supportability challenges.

Despite these plans, substantial upgrades have yet to be implemented, and without intervention, the Rooivalk faces the risk of becoming permanently unsustainable.
Government of South Africa.

[/b]Atlas Oryx Transport Helicopter[b]
Out of the 39 Oryx helicopters, by mid‑2023, only 7 were serviceable, with none fully operational at that time.

Some Oryx helicopters deployed overseas (for instance, in UN missions) were grounded, and several incurred damage during operations.
Only one Oryx remained operational in the DRC, with repairs scheduled for more through the new funding package.

bidexiii:
[/b]NAF TARGETS 90% AIRCRAFT SERVICEABILITY BY Q4 2025 AS CAS LEADS PUSH FOR ENGINEERING REFORM[b]

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has restated the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) firm resolve to enhance aircraft availability through sound maintenance culture, institutional reforms, and strategic partnerships. He made this known while declaring open the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference at HQ NAF Abuja, describing the event as “timely and transformative.” The CAS emphasized that “mission success in contemporary air operations is directly tied to the availability, airworthiness, and sustained performance of aircraft platforms.”

With the theme “Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships,” the conference gathered serving and retired engineering professionals to strengthen solutions for sustaining air power amid fleet expansion. The CAS revealed NAF’s current serviceability rate of 72% and unveiled a bold target of 90% by Q4 2025, driven by investments in predictive maintenance, spares, ground equipment, and digital documentation. He also announced the establishment of a Directorate of Aircraft Life Cycle Management (DALCM) to oversee long-term fleet health from induction to retirement.

The conference featured insightful papers on technical documentation and local–international collaboration in aircraft maintenance, sparking solution-oriented discussions. Commending the CAS for his visionary support, Chief of Aircraft Engineering AVM AI Amodu noted that “we are the backbone of the Force.” As Day Two continues, the Conference sets a clear path toward a smarter, mission-ready NAF anchored on innovation, engineering excellence, and strategic collaboration.

#NAF2025 #CASinAction #EngineeringExcellence #AirPowerForNigeria #AircraftServiceability #NAFTransformation #MaintenanceCulture #DALCM #InnovationInDefence #CombatReadyForce #DefenceLeadership #NAFConference

[/b]NDC PARTICIPANTS PRESENT BLUEPRINT TO STRENGTHEN NAF’S HIGH-TECH MAINTENANCE CAPACITY[b]

As part of a deliberate push to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), participants of Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) have presented a strategic paper focusing on human capacity development in high-tech platforms maintenance. Titled "Human Capacity Development in High-Tech Platforms Maintenance for Operational Efficiency: Strategic Options for the NAF by 2035," the research outlines actionable recommendations to bridge the critical skills gap in technical manpower and elevate NAF’s capability in counterinsurgency operations and modern warfare.
Presented on 23 July 2025, the paper formed part of a strategic task from the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, underscoring his resolve to address critical gaps in the Service through forward-looking, research-driven solutions. The blueprint offers a forward-looking framework for cultivating a resilient and future-ready technical workforce to sustain NAF’s growing fleet of advanced systems. With the increasing complexity of today’s threat environment, the proposal reinforces the urgency of investing in specialized training, knowledge transfer, and long-term technical expertise as key enablers of operational efficiency.
In his remarks, the CAS lauded the research's depth and relevance, affirming that its insights would inform ongoing reforms to reposition the NAF for greater mission success. He emphasized the Service’s dedication to institutionalising robust human capital strategies that will empower personnel to effectively maintain and operate cutting-edge platforms under demanding conditions. The presentation marks a vital milestone in the NAF’s journey towards strategic self-reliance and enduring airpower excellence.
#NAF #NigeriaAirForce #CASNigeria #NDCNigeria #AFSuccessThroughTraining #HumanCapacityDevelopment #HTPMaintenance #AirPowerExcellence #OperationalEfficiency #FutureReadyNAF #CombatSupportTraining #StrategicWorkforcePlanning #MissionReadyForce

bidexiii:
[/b]Members of the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation are conducting an oversight visit at Denel on Tuesday, 25 March 2025[b]

Is the committee from Nigeria? Chai make them buy from Denel abeg. We need proper wheeled IFV

Odunayaw:
Is the committee from Nigeria? Chai make them buy from Denel abeg. We need proper wheeled IFV

South Africa Members of the Joint Standing Committee of Defence conducting an oversight visit at Denel on Monday, 24 March 2025.

[/b]NAF COMMENCES SPECIALIZED TRAINING ON ANTI-UAV RADAR SYSTEM IN MAIDUGURI[b]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inaugurated a new cadre of personnel for specialised training on the 612A Anti-UAV Radar System, marking a strategic step towards strengthening its counter-drone capabilities. The inauguration ceremony held on 26 July 2025 at the Headquarters of the Air Component, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State. The training programme is designed to equip selected NAF personnel with the technical and operational expertise to detect, track, and neutralise hostile Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in asymmetrical conflict zones.

The objective of the course reflects the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, which places strong emphasis on mastering emerging technologies in modern warfare. According to him, “the importance of mastering both the theoretical and practical aspects of this training cannot be overstated,” he noted. “The NAF expects nothing less than excellence as you embark on this mission-critical training to enhance our operational effectiveness.”

During the inauguration, the Air Component Commander OPHK, Air Commodore UU Idris, described the initiative as timely, given the increasing use of improvised drones by adversaries in the region. “The threats posed by hostile and improvised drone systems have challenged conventional air and ground security strategies,” he noted. “This specialised training will significantly enhance our situational awareness and defensive capabilities.” The initiative represents another significant step in the NAF’s efforts to maintain air superiority and safeguard national security in a rapidly evolving battlespace.

#NAFAntiUAVTraining #CounterDroneOps #NAFTechEdge #OperationHadinKai #AirPowerAgainstThreats #SecuringTheSkies #NAFCounterDrone

bidex111:
[/b]NAF COMMENCES SPECIALIZED TRAINING ON ANTI-UAV RADAR SYSTEM IN MAIDUGURI[b]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inaugurated a new cadre of personnel for specialised training on the 612A Anti-UAV Radar System, marking a strategic step towards strengthening its counter-drone capabilities. The inauguration ceremony held on 26 July 2025 at the Headquarters of the Air Component, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State. The training programme is designed to equip selected NAF personnel with the technical and operational expertise to detect, track, and neutralise hostile Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in asymmetrical conflict zones.

The objective of the course reflects the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, which places strong emphasis on mastering emerging technologies in modern warfare. According to him, “the importance of mastering both the theoretical and practical aspects of this training cannot be overstated,” he noted. “The NAF expects nothing less than excellence as you embark on this mission-critical training to enhance our operational effectiveness.”

During the inauguration, the Air Component Commander OPHK, Air Commodore UU Idris, described the initiative as timely, given the increasing use of improvised drones by adversaries in the region. “The threats posed by hostile and improvised drone systems have challenged conventional air and ground security strategies,” he noted. “This specialised training will significantly enhance our situational awareness and defensive capabilities.” The initiative represents another significant step in the NAF’s efforts to maintain air superiority and safeguard national security in a rapidly evolving battlespace.

#NAFAntiUAVTraining #CounterDroneOps #NAFTechEdge #OperationHadinKai #AirPowerAgainstThreats #SecuringTheSkies #NAFCounterDrone

I see the Tin Shield Radar.

Odunayaw:
I see the Tin Shield Radar.

Yeah..

bidexiii:
[/b]Rooivalk Attack Helicopter (AH‑2)

Fleet Status & Serviceability[b]
The Rooivalk fleet comprises 11 airframes; however, by mid‑2023, only 4 were operational, with several grounded for maintenance, and berely 13 out of 23 engines were serviceable.

As of early 2024, only 2 Rooivalk helicopters were capable of flight under restrictions; the avionics, targeting systems, and self-defence suites are predominantly outdated.

According to additional data, the fleet’s availability stood at a mere 30%, with only 2 helicopters available to support missions due to aircrew currency challenges.

[/b]Maintenance and Upgrades[b]
In February 2024, Denel’s fixed maintenance contract expired and had not been renewed, putting deployments in the DRC and Mozambique at risk.
Nevertheless, a R 1.2 billion repair initiative was sanctioned in April 2024 to restore 4 Oryx and 4 Rooivalk helicopters over a budgeted programme spanning 3 years.

[/b]Modernisation Plans[b]
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Turkish firm Aselsan details a partnership for avionics modernization of the Rooivalk, with the objective of addressing obsolescence and supportability challenges.

Despite these plans, substantial upgrades have yet to be implemented, and without intervention, the Rooivalk faces the risk of becoming permanently unsustainable.
Government of South Africa.

[/b]Atlas Oryx Transport Helicopter[b]
Out of the 39 Oryx helicopters, by mid‑2023, only 7 were serviceable, with none fully operational at that time.

Some Oryx helicopters deployed overseas (for instance, in UN missions) were grounded, and several incurred damage during operations.
Only one Oryx remained operational in the DRC, with repairs scheduled for more through the new funding package.

Not like the SANDF will pick on my opinion and act on it, but f it anyways, I get that South Africa have laws that makes it prioritize locally made weapons over foreign made. But maybe this time around the SANDF should consider buying from outside. Denel Rooivalk and Atlas Oryx are outdated. It would take decades of R&, prototype testing and full scale production to come up with new platforms. The T-129 Atak and KUH-1 Surion seem like they will be good replacements.

But the Roovial looks sharp...I was hoping this would become the chopper for Africa

Exnavyboy62:
Not like the SANDF will pick on my opinion and act on it, but f it anyways, I get that South Africa have laws that makes it prioritize locally made weapons over foreign made. But maybe this time around the SANDF should consider buying from outside. Denel Rooivalk and Atlas Oryx are outdated. It would take decades of R&, prototype testing and full scale production to come up with new platforms. The T-129 Atak and KUH-1 Surion seem like they will be good replacements.

[/b]Explore the Power and Performance of the Nigerian Army[b]



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3Tv_w_SpQ?si=kyp8c31VQLLI3uHQ

[/b]Top 10 Strongest African Elite Special Forces 2025Top 10 Strongest African Elite Special Forces 2025[b]



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn_fwgbpysQ?si=fyV-LIOAnCTIGmcS