By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force has commissioned new accommodation facilities at its Kaduna base as part of preparations for incoming advanced aircraft platforms.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who inaugurated the projects on Thursday, said the development would enhance the training and preparedness of student pilots.
“The completion of the Student Pilots’ Quarters is a major step in preparing pilots who will operate modern advanced aircraft,” he said, adding that the platforms would enable the projection of decisive airpower against terrorist threats.
Aneke said the projects reflect his command philosophy of sustaining a professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with ground forces.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting defence acquisitions, particularly through bilateral engagements with Türkiye for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to him, engagements in the United States, Italy and Türkiye have paved the way for the procurement of 24 M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
Facilities commissioned include six blocks of 12 one-bedroom quarters for student pilots, a block of six three-bedroom flats and 30 one-bedroom studio apartments for airmen and airwomen.
The CAS urged personnel to maintain the facilities and uphold discipline, while appreciating former CAS Air Marshal HB Abubakar and other stakeholders for their roles in delivering the projects.
Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal EP Efanga, said the facilities would strengthen operational readiness and improve welfare.