The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, are presently in Turkey with the aim of expediting the delivery of T-129 ATAK helicopters purchased for the Nigerian Air Force by the Federal Government.
During their visit, the minister engaged in discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Lt. Gen. Yasar Guler (Rtd.), covering important matters related to bilateral relations and defense cooperation.
This information was shared in an official statement released on a Sunday by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF (Nigerian Air Force).
According to the statement, General Guler, representing the Turkish military, pledged support to the minister in combating terrorism and addressing various security challenges confronting Nigeria.
Gabkwet mentioned, “The minister and the CAS (Chief of Air Staff) also toured several reputable Turkish companies, including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan, and Roketsan.
These firms are globally recognized for their production of high-quality defense and military equipment.”
While visiting these companies, the Minister of Defence emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between these companies and Nigeria, particularly in the transfer of defense technology to benefit Nigeria.
The Federal Government had procured six T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries, with plans for the delivery of two helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force in the coming weeks.
The remaining four are expected to arrive before the end of the second quarter in 2024.
