NAF Logs 6,100 Flying Hours, 2,900 Sorties in Aneke’s First Year as Air Chief
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded more than 6,100 flying hours and 2,900 operational sorties between November 2025 and September 2026 as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, approaches his first anniversary in office on October 30.
The figures, released by the Service ahead of the anniversary, reflect its operational activities, alongside ongoing investments in personnel welfare, professional training, infrastructure development and aircraft modernisation.
According to the NAF, the operations consumed nearly 10 million litres of Jet A-1 aviation fuel and involved precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, close air support and other intelligence-led missions designed to degrade hostile elements, disrupt their activities and support ground forces.
The Service said its operational approach under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership prioritises mission effectiveness, with each sortie expected to serve a defined purpose and contribute to national security objectives.
On personnel welfare, the NAF said it had pursued improvements in allowances, medical support, accommodation and infrastructure under its “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare” initiative. It also reactivated welfare airlift services to support personnel deployed in frontline theatres.
The Service reported that 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers had been promoted during the period. In addition, more than 550 personnel participated in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 received training locally.
On force modernisation, the NAF disclosed that five helicopters were delivered in September 2026, comprising three AW-109 Trekker Type B and two H125 helicopters.
It also said plans were ongoing to acquire 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, alongside other aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, as part of efforts to strengthen operational capabilities.
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The Service further reported progress in the reactivation and upgrade of six L-39ZA aircraft in Slovakia and Nigeria, while periodic depot maintenance of a C-130 aircraft was ongoing in Portugal.
The NAF said aviation safety and accountability remained key priorities, citing the establishment of an Operational and Safety Audit Committee, the strengthening of its Safety Management System and the development of Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response structures.
It added that efforts were being made to standardise training and improve assessment and investigation capabilities to enhance operational safety and accountability.
On infrastructure, the Service disclosed that 284 projects had been approved, with 145 completed and 139 ongoing. The projects cover accommodation, academic and medical facilities, operational and administrative infrastructure, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational facilities.
The NAF also highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening indigenous defence production, including the production of Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges and a 250-kilogram bomb-loading trolley. Locally produced 57-millimetre rockets are also undergoing development and ground testing.
Beyond military operations, the Service said community healthcare, educational interventions and other special projects had contributed to civil-military relations and efforts to strengthen public confidence.
As Air Marshal Aneke approaches his first anniversary, the NAF said it would continue to focus on translating investments in personnel, aircraft, training, technology and infrastructure into measurable operational outcomes.
It identified stronger joint operations, strategic partnerships, improved aircraft maintenance and responsible employment of airpower as key priorities for sustaining operational readiness.
The Service reiterated its commitment to building a professional, accountable and responsive force capable of supporting national security operations and contributing to safer skies across Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
