PAF hands over three JF-17 Thunder jets to Nigeria

Published May 21, 2021
A JF-17 Thunder aircraft on display at Nigerian Air Force base Makudri.  — Photo provided by author
A JF-17 Thunder aircraft on display at Nigerian Air Force base Makudri. — Photo provided by author

The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra formally handed over three JF-17 Thunder aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force during a ceremony held at Nigerian Air Force base Makudri to mark the 57th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force on Friday, a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) press release said.

Nigerian Defence Minister Major General (Rtd) Bashir Magashi was the guest of honour at the ceremony, representing the Nigerian president, whereas the PAF vice chief of the air staff, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali, was invited to attend the ceremony as the special guest of the Nigerian Air Force.

Addressing the ceremony, Magashi expressed his gratitude to Pakistan and the PAF for sustained bilateral cooperation and partnership for enhancing the Nigerian Air Force’s capabilities to meet Nigeria’s security challenges.

Referring to the new induction, he said, “We are happy and excited on the addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan.”

Air Marshal Ali said the event was not just a historical landmark for Pakistan’s JF-17 programme, but was also a reflection of the strong military cooperation and mutual trust between Nigeria and Pakistan.

He further stated that the JF-17 aircraft, with its unique fighting capabilities, would prove to be a potent platform in addressing the security requirements of Nigeria.

Air Marshal Ali also said the PAF and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex would continue to provide all-out support to the Nigerian Air Force in meeting all its requirements.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...