Nigeria's new military reconnaissance aircraft to vamp soldiers operational efficiency – Army Chief
The Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, in his speech on Thursday, stated that the military’s acquisition of new reconnaissance aircraft would help improve soldiers’ operational efficiency.
According to Lagbajat, the new aircraft, which had been the Nigerian army’s dream for years, would ‘help the army serve the country better’.
Lagbaja made this statement at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where he welcomed two brand new military helicopters, adding that this will give his troops some flexibility in the grand field.
“We are on a learning curve in the aviation business. We hope it will be a pleasant experience that will give our troops flexibility in the field and enhance our operational successes,” Lagbaja said.
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“The Nigerian army is poised to serve the nation better with the acquisition of these platforms. We shall overcome and give our people the enabling environment for economic prosperity.
“Aviation has always been a game changer, and that informs the decision for the Nigerian army to strive to acquire platforms towards the actualisation of the dream of having an army aviation arm since 1984.”
What the newly acquired military utility aircraft can do for the Nigerian military:
The army chief highlighted that having achieved this dream of many years, the army would now not only be able to “improve operational efficiency in the field” but as well “insert troops in critical areas” and extract casualties during a combat.
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“We expect that the support that will be provided to the troops in the field with the acquisition of this utility helicopter, in terms of casualty evacuation, and the supply and insertion of troops in critical areas, will have greater flexibility and improve operational efficiency in the field,” he said.
“If we have a mission tomorrow to pick one thing or the other to send logistics to any frontline location, they will be tasked accordingly. So they are deployed already.”
Also at the event in Abuja, was the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brigadier General M.S Alkali, who said the acquisition of military reconnaissance aircraft was clear demonstration of their resilience and the government’s readiness to fight insurgency.
He urged all responsible personnel of the aviation security, including of the military soldiers, to courageously employ skillfulnes in their operation of the machines.
“The acquisition of these air platforms is a clear demonstration of our resolve to continuously improve and adapt in the face of evolving security landscapes,” he said.
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“These platforms will significantly bolster the NA’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities, thereby enhancing our overall operational effectiveness.
“As we integrate these platforms into our operations, let us also remember that the true strength of our aviation lies in the skilled and courageous personnel who operate and maintain these machines.
“Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise are the bedrock upon which our success is built,” mrs Alkali added.
