The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, has officially Commissioned 17 newly trained pilots of 405 Helicopter Training Group (HCTG) to improve Nigerian Air Force combat readiness.
Air Marshal Amao, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Jackson Yusuf, made the winging after the pilots’ successful completion of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 7/2021 at 405 HCTG, Enugu.
The successes recorded against insecurity in the North East, West and Central could also be attributed to vibrant air combat, supported by the Joint Security agents.
In an efforts to enhance it’s constitutional duty the Nigerian Air Force newly trained this 17 officers on service proficiency to deliver on their core mandate.
The Chief of Air Staff says 36 pilots have been trained and over 70 officers on various flying training course abroad. He said over 2,000 personnel undergoing various flights and flying training courses within different institutions to ensure the force meets up with contemporary challenges.
The Commander, 405 HCTG, Enugu, Wing Commander Ayodeji Omokunga, explained that one out of the 17 newly pilots completed his training in India with excellence.
He charged the newly winged pilots to brace up for further training, especially on special combat and tactical training.
One of the newly winged pilots, Flying Officer Immanuel Ogwuni, thanked the CAS, and other commanders for giving them the opportunity.
The event featured presentation of awards to newly winged pilots who were exceptional in performance during the training.
The Nigerian Airforce has embarked on an aggressive mordernisation programme for a few years now with the acquisition of new platforms in both the fixed wing, Rotary and Fighter Jets spectrum to boost the nations’ Air power.
Over 32 new Fighter Jest and Helicopters have ben acquired top ensure the Service Stays at the cutting edge of what is available in air warfare including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Reconnaissance and Attack missions.
This new Pilots are expected to take Charge of the new platforms including the expected arrival of Apache Attack Helicopters from the United States of America.