Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, said on Tuesday that the Federal Government has approved the purchase of 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities.
He said that the purchase of the attack helicopters was part of continuous government attempts to improve Army aviation’s operational effectiveness in order to confront the nation’s ongoing security problems.
According to a statement by Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army Chief made this disclosure during the Nigerian Army Aviation’s first seminar on aviation security awareness in Abuja.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria in support of the operationalization of Nigerian Army Aviation has approved the acquisition of the initial 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters that will actualize the operationalization of the Nigerian Army Aviation to effectively tackle security challenges bedeviling the country.
“The acquisition of the new attack helicopters is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to boost the operational capabilities of the Army Aviation to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security threats,” according to the statement.
The COAS extended appreciation to the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for supporting the ambition of the Nigerian Army Aviation and deciding to make history.
Lagbaja said that the Nigerian Army has made admirable strides in training pilots, engineers, technicians, and other ground support workers since 2014.
He stated that in order to learn from them, the Army has partnered with both the Nigerian Air Force and foreign groups.
According to him:
“The Nigerian Army understands the highly technical nature of the aviation business and the need to be appropriately mentored, its international collaborations and submission of its nascent aviation outfit to the mentoring of the Nigerian Air Force, as the Service does not have the luxury of making mistakes when it can learn from other experienced aviation outfits.
“The outfit is set up to improve the agility, responsiveness, and efficacy of the ground troops, while contributing to the overall operational success of joint and coalition forces, supporting those on the ground, and focusing on tactical and operational engagements, maintaining that the Air Force undertakes more complex tasks to achieve strategic effects.”
cc: Punch Ng
