The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has disclosed that the Nigeria Air Force is set to acquire modernised fighter ground attack jets and helicopters to combat insecurity bedevilling the country.

The CAS gave the hints on Wednesday while hosting the 2025 Sallah Luncheon with troops of the Air Component of Operation Hadin-Kai of the northeast held in Maiduguri.

According to him, Hassan said additional platforms underscore the NAF’s resolve to remain proactive in their strategic approach to combating terrorism and related security threats in the Northeast.

Air Marshal Abubakar, represented by Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal EO Ebiowe, maintained that the security challenges they face require advanced, versatile, and capable platforms to address these threats.

He said, “As a key pillar of the nation’s security architecture, it is continuously working to modernise and enhance its capabilities. In addition to the A-29 Super Tucanos, JF-17 Thunder, and T-129 ATAK helicopters recently procured, we are making arrangements for the acquisition of more advanced fighter ground attack jets and helicopters.

He added, “These new acquisitions will further enhance our ability to execute essential air power roles, including Combat Search and Rescue, Tactical Airlift, and Medical Evacuation, and ensure that we are better equipped to safeguard the lives of our people, he disclosed.

He stressed that the transformation of the NAF is not limited to hardware, but he also promised to focus on the development and capacity building of our personnel.

“We continue to invest in training, research, and the operationalisation of indigenous technologies to ensure that our forces remain agile and capable of responding to any evolving security situation. This strategic transformation is in line with my command philosophy to ensure the NAF is prepared for the challenges of today and the future.’

CAS also reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of its personnel.

Also, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State was represented by Usman Tar, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, who thanked the NAF for the role they played during last year’s devastating flood disaster, which is not only combating insurgency but also providing humanitarian response to the host communities.

He said, “Your support is invaluable to our mission’s success. The host communities have also played a crucial role in providing credible intelligence and supporting our operations. I commend them for their cooperation, which greatly enhances the effectiveness of our missions. He said.