NAF Bolsters Battlespace Dominance with New Combat-Ready UAV Operators
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has significantly enhanced its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with the graduation of a new cohort of combat-ready Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators.
This strategic move, marked by the completion of Operational Conversion Training Course 3/2024 at the 233 Wing Hangar in Kaduna, aims to provide improved precision and real-time intelligence gathering for ongoing counterinsurgency and internal security operations nationwide.
This was disclosed in a statement by NAF spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, represented by the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, hailed the graduation as a pivotal moment in the fight against insurgency and other asymmetric threats.
“This is not just a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our resolve to dominate the battlespace through precision ISR and coordinated joint operations,” the CAS declared. “These young men and women are now key players in our mission to secure Nigeria from the skies.”
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Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that the graduation directly supports his vision of developing a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force. He commended the graduates for their resilience during the rigorous training and urged them to maintain professionalism and focus. “The Nigerian Air Force is counting on your competence, discipline, and sense of duty to deliver actionable intelligence and enable successful joint force operations,” he added.
The CAS also encouraged the new UAV operators to embrace innovation and continuous learning, highlighting the rapidly evolving nature of UAV warfare. He stressed that operational excellence demands collaboration with engineers, intelligence analysts, and aircrew. “As you go forward, remember that success in modern conflict requires not just flying skills, but the ability to fuse data, think strategically, and act decisively,” he advised the graduates.
In an ever-evolving global security landscape, the NAF’s continued investment in UAV capabilities underscores its proactive approach to battlefield dominance through technology and skilled personnel. With the addition of this latest batch of operators, the Nigerian Air Force reinforces its readiness to deploy air power decisively and responsibly in defense of the nation.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, family members, and well-wishers, all celebrating what the CAS described as “a crucial investment in national security.”
By PRNigeria
