As part of measures to counter terrorism while beefing up its defence technology, the Nigerian Air Force recently sought stronger collaboration with its Turkish counterpart. Amongst other things, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the recent visit of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao to Turkey buttressed the need for both nations to share their experiences on the use of unmanned aircraft systems in counterterrorism operations
In its quest for boost its defence technology to sustain the ongoing way against terrorism, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), recently sought stronger collaboration with the Turkish Air Force.
This was the crux of discussion between both Air Forces when the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao and his entourage recently visited Turkey.
In fact, the CAS and the Commander of the Turkish Air Force (TurAF), General Hasan Kucukakyuz expressed the willingness of the two air forces to collaborate on defence technology in order to enhance their operational efficiency in the fight against terrorism currently being experienced by both countries.
According to NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, this was made known when Air Marshal Amao recently paid a courtesy call on the Commander TurAF during his five-day official visit to Turkey.
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 both also emphasised the need for Nigeria and Turkey to share their experiences on the use of unmanned aircraft systems in counterterrorism operations.
This, according to them would enable strategic synergy and enhance proficiency with renewed commitment to wipe out terrorism.
While appreciating Turkish military experience in counter-terrorism operation which spanned over a decade, Air Marshal Amao stated that Turkey was able to achieve operational successes against terrorists due to the usage of right military equipment.
“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 said.
Air Marshal Amao therefore called for greater collaborations with the Turkish Air Force Command, even as he said, the 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 then requested for more support from the TurAF in the areas of upgrade and modernisation of platforms, air defence training, special forces training as well as training slots in information communication technology for NAF personnel.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Amao noted that the two countries could greatly benefit from military student exchange training programmes as the consideration would enhance critical understanding of the two countries’ security environments and deepen greater cooperation.
While reiterating the need for strong collaboration in defence technology, the CAS stated that the signing of Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement by the two countries offered greater opportunity for the NAF and TurAF to work more closely together.
In his remarks, the Commander, TurAF, General Hasan Kucukakyuz noted that Turkish Air Force is 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. General Hasan 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.
The two air chiefs agreed to fashion out modalities that would enable a meeting between officers of the two air forces to outline areas of comprehensive cooperation that could be of mutual value to both sides.
During the five-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.
For those in the know, this partnership is very strategic bearing in mind the current security situation in the nation. Which is why Air Marshal Amao is living up to his mission, “To enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives”.
Also, this aligns with his five main key drivers which lays emphasis on doctrinal development and application of airpower in joint military operations; purposeful training and human capacity development; platforms and equipment serviceability through innovative maintenance methods and logistics support systems; disciplined workforce essential for combat readiness and bolstering troop morale by improving personnel welfare.
In terms of defence technology, the NAF has witnessed tremendous improvement in the past seven years, especially in the provision of modern equipment either through acquisitions or Research and Development.
Therefore, given that sustaining a service like the NAF that derives its potency from technological assets, which is a capital-intensive responsibility, such collaborations are needed.
Already, such huge capital investments in the NAF are helping turn the tide against terrorists and other violent non-state actors in the nation. But as always, there is need for more, hence the drive towards collaboration in operations and technological defence.
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Both also emphasised the need for Nigeria and Turkey to share their experiences on the use of unmanned aircraft systems in counterterrorism operations. This… would enable strategic synergy and enhance proficiency with renewed commitment to wipe out terrorism
Captions
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao with Chief of Logistics, Air Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya; and Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba
CAS with Commander, TurAF, General Hasan Kucukakyuz
CAS onboard a Turkish simulation aircraft
The quarter quard in honour of the CAS
