…. Provides Intelligence Missions to
Counter-Insurgency
The Nigerian
Airforce (NAF) has acquired two Mi-35M attack helicopter to fight terrorists
and criminal gangs. The Mi-35M is a rugged helicopter that offers round the
clock combat use of guided and unguided weapons in regular and challenging
climate conditions which is equipped with the latest navigation suite, target
sights system, laser range finder and location finder.
This was
disclosed by Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, Director of Training and Operation
of the Nigerian Airforce at a media briefing in Abuja. The Media Briefing which
was hosted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was to
highlight major activities last year.
AVM Amao
said that the achievements of NAF in 2016 covered improvement in platforms and
operational capabilities, infrastructural development, training and professionalism.
He said “some
of the major achievements of the NAF from January to December 2016 include the Acquisition
of 2x Mi-35M helicopter with capabilities for night operations; acquisition of
additional 2 new DA-40; reactivation of ATR-42 NAF 931; acquisition of A-Jet
NAF 478 in addition to the operable 7 A-Jet ac fleet; induction of Super
Mushshak ac (SMK) into the NAF inventory as a primary trainer; and induction of
3x EC-135 helicopters handed over to the NAF by NNPC in Mar 16”
Amao also
disclosed that NAF provided most of the surveillance and intelligence activities
towards the success of the counter-insurgency campaigns in the North-East and
other special missions in the country.
He stated
that “in the year 2016, 62 per cent of Intelligence missions were conducted not
only to determine the location of abducted Nigerians but to also provide battle
field situational awareness for the land forces. “
Speaking further,
AVM Amao added that many liaison/logistics and re-supply sorties were flown to
move large volume of materials in support of the Land Component’s advance into
Sambisa. These include ammunition, water, tyres and other stores to staging
areas in support of Op Crackdown.
He said that
“CAS, logistics resupply and ISR missions aimed at dislodging the BHTs from
their enclaves were further conducted in sustenance of the offensive operations
on the ground.
“Additionally,
MEDEVAC and CASEVAC were conducted in support of the surface forces. In the
beginning of Jun 16, the Air Component’s efforts were geared towards
consolidating the successes achieved during NA OP CRACK DOWN. Considerable
number of AR and some AI, CAS and CAP sorties were flown to further degrade
BHTs capabilities. These missions were conducted in Northern Borno and the
Sambisa general area.”
Full text of
the briefing is here: https://prnigeria.com/2017/01/naf-acquires-sophisticated-attack-helicopters/
PRNigeria
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