The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Mr. Hidayet Bayraktar, has expressed Turkey’s willingness to strengthen the existing defense collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Turkish Government.
This enhancement will be achieved through the transfer of defense technology. Ambassador Bayraktar conveyed this message on October 3, 2023, during his courtesy visit to NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
During his visit, Ambassador Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s longstanding collaboration with the NAF and its commitment to taking this partnership to a higher level. He also assured that Turkey is not only interested in selling defense products to the NAF but is also eager to assist in developing the NAF’s capacity to manufacture and maintain some of these products. Moreover, he pledged to ensure the timely delivery of the TK-1 helicopters, as per the existing procurement agreement, and to establish an effective maintenance strategy in cooperation with the NAF.
In response, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed gratitude for Ambassador Bayraktar’s assurances. He highlighted the NAF’s intention to seize the opportunities presented for advancing its Research and Development (R&D) efforts. The CAS emphasized that the offer of technology transfer aligns perfectly with one of the central components of his Command Philosophy, which emphasizes R&D and the utilization of cutting-edge technology and lessons learned.
Furthermore, the CAS underscored the significance of the Turkish Government’s support in sustaining ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria. He urged Ambassador Bayraktar to use his position to expedite the delivery of the six TK-1 helicopters to Nigeria. The CAS also took the opportunity to reiterate the NAF’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the potential offered by key partners to enhance its capabilities for effectively safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The visit’s notable moment included Ambassador Bayraktar’s symbolic wreath-laying ceremony at the NAF Memorial Arcade, paying homage to NAF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of Nigeria.