The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to induct its newly acquired JF-17 multi-role Thunder aircraft into its inventory to add impetus to the ongoing fight against insurgency, armed banditry and other forms of criminality in the Country. The induction ceremony is part of the activities marking the 57th Anniversary celebration scheduled to take place in Makurdi from 19-20 May 2021. This was disclosed today by the Chairman, NAF Day 2021 Organizing Committee, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar while briefing members of the press on the activities lined up for the low-key celebration. With the theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Airpower Capabilities for Effective Joint Operations in Response to Contemporary National Security Challenges”, the anniversary is aimed at emphasizing the renewed focus on cooperation and collaboration among the Services in military operations. The theme is also in tandem with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao’s vision of “Enhancing and sustaining critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives”.

In addition to the induction of JF-17, the anniversary would also feature a seminar and aerial display by some NAF platforms. There would also be series of pre-event activities which would take place simultaneously at designated NAF Units across the Country. Speaking further, AVM Abubakar stated that there would be pre-event activities which include Juma’at Service, Church Service and medical outreaches to host communities. He disclosed further that the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) would also be embarking on humanitarian support activities across the 6 geo-political zones of the Country in addition to the launching of NAF Telemedicine facility in Abuja.

Speaking further, the Chairman noted that the seminar scheduled to take place on 19 May 2021 would provide opportunity for seasoned experts to brainstorm on doctrinal development and joint force employment as well as standardization of training and interoperability of equipment in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The seminar would equally proffer workable strategies aimed at checkmating the myriad of security challenges in the country. The induction of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft and aerial display, the Chairman said, would be conducted simultaneously on 20 May 2021 to mark the end of the 57th Anniversary Celebration.