Nigeria: Boko Haram - Nigerian Army Establishes Aviation Corps, to Acquire Platforms From Russia, S'Africa, Others, Soon

Abuja — The Nigerian Army has established the aviation corps as part of the immediate and long-term measures to effectively flush out Boko Haram terrorists from the North-east and all forms of insecurity in the country.


To this end, the army authorities are concluding plans on how to acquire the desired platforms with consideration for Russian, South African, American and Chinese made aircraft, among others.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed this wednesday during the 2016 First Quarter COAS Conference in Abuja.

Buratai noted that since the establishment NA Aviation, several efforts had been made to acquire desired platforms.

In this regards, he said: "We have compiled list of platforms from Russian, American and Chinese origin including simulators and UAVs.

He said: "One project that is dear to me is the take off of the Nigerian Army Aviation. All activities towards building the NA Aviation Corps is still in progress. It is hoped that very soon, the NA would be able to acquire its own platforms to enable the corps kick off wholly. So far, the main activities been undertaken are the training of the pilots and technicians and also necessary negotiations towards acquiring the helicopters.

"Emphasis was however on Russian made Mi-17 due to its ruggedness, operability and multi-role capability. As a result, different contractors submitted their proposals for supply which are still being considered. Recently, the NA also considered the South African made Rooivalk attack helicopters after witnessing a demonstration in SA on the capability of the platforms and its employability.

"Additionally, a helicopter operating company called Caverton proposed the supply of three H125 helicopters and maintenance which the NA is also considering presently as an option. As it is now, the NA Aviation might eventually take-off with any platform it can acquire as long as the platform can perform the expected roles. On the whole, there is high hope that the NA Aviation will eventually develop to the desired standard in order to effectively support the NA Operations," he added.

On the issue of training, Buratai revealed that the trainee pilots comprising of one captain and nine lieutenants were still undergoing flying course at International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) Enugu. He said the trainees were initially meant to complete the training by December 2015 but could not be achieved due to unforeseen circumstances like weather and other factors.

On the Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CT COIN) operations in the North-east, the army chief said the military tremendous progress, adding that Boko Haram has been significantly decimated.

(culled from allafrica.com)