Etim Effiong
About 233 Nigerian Air Force pilots are presently undergoing specialized training at different aviation colleges in the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and the Czech Republic, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, has said.
He stated that four new wings comprising two fighter pilots and two combat helicopter pilots have also completed their training in the US.
The CAS pledged to sustain purposeful training and human capacity development for NAF personnel.
“In line with this drive, I am glad to note that the Nigerian Air Force has several other pilots as well as personnel from other specialties undergoing various training courses both at home and abroad.
“For instance, we currently have a total of 233 officers and airmen/airwomen undergoing training courses overseas, cutting across several specialties and trades.
“Out of this number, four student pilots are in the Czech Republic undergoing basic fighter training on the L-39 aircraft. In the same vein, two student pilots are undergoing helicopter training at United States of America, while additional two have been processed to join them in the coming days.
“Furthermore, 10 pilots are in the United Kingdom undergoing basic helicopter pilot training. Additionally, another 17 are in South Africa undergoing basic fixed-wing pilot training,” Amao said.
He added that NAF’s recent efforts are aimed at maintaining combat readiness at significantly higher levels to counter both domestic and foreign threats to the nation’s security and wellbeing.