Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao and the Commander, Turkish Air Force (TurAF), Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz have expressed the willingness of the two air forces to collaborate on defence technology towards enhancing their operational efficiency in the fight against terrorism currently being experienced by both countries.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Saturday said the decision was reached recently when the Nigerian Air Chief paid a courtesy call on the Commander TurAF during his 5-day official visit to Turkey.
Gabkwek said that they also emphasised the need for Nigeria and Turkey to share their experiences on the use of unmanned aircraft systems in counterterrorism operations to promote strategic synergy and enhance proficiency with renewed commitment to wipe out terrorism.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Amao appreciated Turkish military experience in counter-terrorism operation which spanned over a decade, adding that Turkey was able to achieve operational successes against terrorists due to the usage of right military equipment.
According to Amao, Turkey has succeeded in developing a robust defence industrial sector capable of meeting up to a significant percentage of critical requirements of her armed forces and other security agencies.
He therefore called for greater collaborations with the Turkish Air Force Command, stating that NAF appreciates the existing cooperation in the areas of training and extension of invitation for NAF personnel participation in some of the TurAF international military exercises.
He also requested for more support from the TurAF in the areas of upgrade and modernization of platforms, air defence training, special forces training as well as training slots in information communication technology for NAF personnel.
Amao noted that the two countries could greatly benefit from military student exchange training programmes as the consideration would enhance critical understanding of the the countries’ security environments and deepen greater cooperation.
He stated that the signing of Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement by the Nigeria and Turkey had offered greater opportunity for the NAF and TurAF to work more closely together.
Responding, the Commander, TurAF, Gen. Kucukakyuz noted that Turkish Air Force was willing to deepen cooperation with the NAF by assisting the service in any area that could ultimately strengthen its operational capabilities.
He stated that the NAF would, from now, fully participate in its international military exercises, including ANATOLIA Eagle.
Kucukakyuz promised to liaise with the NAF and assist in all areas of military cooperation with other Services in Turkey as well as defence procurement concerns.
NAF spokesman said that the two air chiefs agreed to fashion out modalities that would enable a meeting between officers of Nigerian and Turkish air forces to outline areas of comprehensive cooperation that could be of mutual value to both sides.
“During the 5-day visit, the CAS toured some prominent Turkish defence companies for identification of possible defence products that could be required by the NAF.
“These include Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Aselsan, Havelsan, Manatek, BNW Group, Fly BVLOS and Airways Group and Express Technics.
“He also paid a courtesy call on the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinaire Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Ismail Yusuf Abba.
“Air Marshal Amao was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Logistics, Air Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya and Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba from Headquarters Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
