The Nigerian Army (NA) having partnered with reputable stakeholders in the Defence and Security Industry for the procurement of requisite equipment and platforms, that would enhance its operational effectiveness has launched its first batch of new aircrafts, BELL UH-1H Helicopters.
This marked a significant milestone in the development of the Nigerian Army Aviation's capacity to provide air support to ground operations. The two aircrafts, BELL UH 1-H, were formally handed over to the Nigerian Army at a ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Receiving the aircraft, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagba noted that the procurement of the aircraft BELL UH 1-H are part of the ongoing efforts by the Federal Govemment to enhance the Defence Capabilities and improve the operational effectiveness of the armed forces of Nigeria.
General Lagbaja, noted that the renewed drive to establish an NA Aviation wing was conceived by the then-former COAS, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (rtd), in 2014, with a three-phase ten-year implementation plan.
The Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja who pledged to modernize the service’s aviation portfolio, personnel and to integrate advanced training and unmanned operations in various ways across the fleet will take delivery of these platforms today in Abuja.
The COAS extolled former Chiefs of Army Staff, maintaining, that their tenacity and drive, along with the collective efforts of personnel and Nigerian Government’s political will, have been instrumental in realizing the fruition of NA Aviation.
Gen Lagbaja appreciated the various successive administrations for their support in training NA Pilots and Ground Crews as well as putting in place requisite structures. The COAS profoundly expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to fund the acquisition of NA platforms and providing all support to actualize the dream.
The BELL UH-1H Helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors and enablers to conduct a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, rescue, logistics, transportation, and medical evacuation.
The Army Chief also appreciated the forerunners, particularly the sister services and the Nigerian Police Force Aviation wing, for their support and encouragement. He noted that the NA is spurred to serve the nation better with the acquisition of the new platforms and provide Nigerians, an enabling environment for economic prosperity.
In his remarks, the Coordinator, NA Aviation, Brigadier General Musa Alkali, stated that the arrival of the NA Aviation vanguard platforms is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the NA Aviation, in line with the COAS’s Command Philosophy.
Brig Gen Alkali stressed that the acquisition of the platforms is a clear demonstration of the NA’s aviation resolve, which started 40 years ago to continuously improve and adapt in the face of an evolving security landscape, adding that this will boost the NA’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities. The Coordinator acknowledged the tireless efforts of those involved in the execution of the NA Aviation plan, as well as the international partners
Earlier, a Consultant for the Nigerian Army Aviation, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu (retired) who is also a trained Helicopter Pilot, lauded the Nigerian Army for sustaining the vision over the years that saw to the actualization of the Nigerian Army aviation
The Nigerian Army is currently against all odds setting up its aviation branch, from modernized manned helicopters to fully autonomous platforms such as the Textron Aerosonde UAS, Ziyan UAS Blowfish thus, giving pilots greater standoff from enemy threats.
SpyeTV News reports that in the prolonged fight against terrorism and insurgency, the Nigerian Army opined that it needs its own aerial domain capability to quickly wrap up the long-drawn military campaign.
The service already has efforts underway to help realize its vision for heliborne and autonomous operations in the air domain..