Nigerian Air Force To Partner South African Air Force

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will partner South Africa and host of other African countries in training, equipment and exercises in order to build a formidable air force in Africa.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar stated this yesterday at the ongoing 2nd Nigeria Air Exposition, which is part of the 48th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force.

Umar expressed satisfaction with the participation of foreign companies and especially African countries in the Air Expo and disclosed that bilateral relations have been signed with host of them on joint military training and exercises.

He said: “We have organized an elaborate event for this year’s air expo. We are delighted first of all to have such a number of African and other countries participating in this year air expo and it has been very rewarding.

“Our discussions bordered on bilateral co-operation in the areas of training, operations and equipment.”

Earlier, the Director, Air Policy and Plans, South African Air Force, Maj-Gen. Zimpande Msimang commended what he described as high level of professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by NAF during the 2012 Air Expo.

Msimang assured that South African Air Force would be working together with NAF to ensure that they build a powerful and formidable Air Force in Africa capable of meeting global standards.

He said: “I must be honest; I am overwhelmed by the level of professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the Nigerian Air Force. From what we have observed, we can see a platform of collaboration through which we can put more effort to ensure that we build a formidable air force in Africa.”

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Niger Republic, and Lt-Col.Toure Seydou Abdelaziz said his country would like to partner with NAF in training and maintenance of military equipment.

“The Air Expo is very rich and we saw the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force and therefore, seek collaboration in training and maintenance,” Abdelaziz said.

News Source: ThisDay