Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has handed over three JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Nigerian Air Force to enhance its security capabilities.
A ceremony in this regard was held at Nigerian Air Force Base, Makudri. Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali, was the special guest while Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Bashir Magashi, was the guest of honor.
Speaking at the occasion, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali said today’s event is a historical landmark for Pakistan’s JF-17 program and reflects strong military cooperation and mutual trust between Nigeria and Pakistan.
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Air Marshal Noman Ali said that Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex would continue to provide all-out support to Nigerian Air Force in meeting all its requirements. The Vice Chief of the Air Staff added that the JF-17 aircraft would help improve the defense capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.
Addressing the gathering, the guest of honor thanked Pakistan Air Force for extending its support and cooperation in enhancing the Nigerian Air Force’s capabilities to meet Nigeria’s security challenges.
Referring to the new induction, he said, “We are happy and excited about the addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan.”
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The Nigerian Air Force had ordered three JF-17 Thunder jets in 2018, and the delivery was expected by the end of 2020, which was pushed by six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nigeria is expected to use these aircraft in its operations against armed bandit groups, Boko Haram, and other insurgent groups in the north of the country.
Note that Pakistan has already sold four JF-17 to India’s neighboring country, Myanmar, last year. The country aims to expand its aircraft market to Malaysia, Azerbaijan, and other African countries.
