Nigeria inducted Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets
Nigeria’s Air Force officially took delivery of three JF-17 fighter aircraft on May 21 during a ceremony a Makudri base amid celebrations on 7th anniversary of the force.
The fighter jets were handed over by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, which developed the aircraft. The day marked the latest development in the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) involvement in the Nigerian Air Force’s modernization program.
“It is not only a historical landmark for Pakistan’s JF-17 program but also reflected strong military cooperation and mutual trust between Nigeria and Pakistan” said Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali, Vice Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), who attended the ceremony as a special guest of Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
“We are happy and excited on the addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan” said Minister of Defence of Nigeria Maj Gen (Rtd) Bashir Magashi. He expressed his gratitude to Pakistan and Pakistan Air Force for sustained bilateral cooperation and partnership for enhancing Nigerian Air Force capabilities to meet Nigeria’s security challenges.
Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter, with its unique fighting capabilities, would prove to be a potent platform in addressing the security requirements of Nigeria, he said. He also assured that Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex would continue to provide all-out support to Nigerian Air Force in meeting all its requirements.