The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, are currently in Turkey to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigeria Air Force, by the Federal Government.
The minister held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Lt. Gen. Yasar Guler (Rtd.) on critical bilateral and defence cooperation issues.
Gabkwet noted, “The minister and the CAS also visited some selected Turkish companies including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan, and Roketsan. These companies are among the highly-rated global defence companies renowned for the production of quality defence and military equipment.
“While at these companies, the HMOD called for improved synergy between the companies and Nigeria through the transfer of defence technology to Nigeria.”
“The FG had procured six T-129 ATAK helicopters from the TIA, out of which two are to be delivered to the NAF in the coming weeks. The remaining are expected before the end of the second quarter of 2024.”
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
The statement stated that Guler, on behalf of the Turkish military, assured the minister to assist in the fight against terrorism and other criminal challenges facing the country.