The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Mr. Hidayet Bayraktar, has affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening the existing defense collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Turkish Government.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the primary focus of this collaboration will be the transfer of advanced defense technology. Ambassador Bayraktar made these remarks during a courtesy visit to Headquarters NAF in Abuja on October 3, 2023.
Highlighting the enduring partnership between Turkey and the NAF, Ambassador Bayraktar expressed Turkey’s unwavering dedication to taking this collaboration to new heights. He emphasized that Turkey’s support will extend beyond simply selling defense products to the NAF; instead, they are keen to assist the NAF in developing its capability to manufacture and maintain some of these defense products locally. Additionally, he pledged to ensure the timely delivery of the TK-1 helicopters as per the existing procurement agreement and to implement an effective maintenance strategy in collaboration with the NAF.
In response, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed gratitude for Ambassador Bayraktar’s assurances and welcomed the prospect of technology transfer. The CAS stated that the NAF would leverage these opportunities to enhance its Research and Development (R&D) initiatives, aligning with the key enablers of his Command Philosophy. He underscored the importance of cutting-edge technology and the lessons learned from Turkey in achieving this objective.
Air Marshal Abubakar also stressed that the support of the Turkish Government is pivotal to sustaining the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria. He urged Ambassador Bayraktar to use his diplomatic influence to expedite the delivery of the six TK-1 helicopters to Nigeria. The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering commitment to capitalizing on partnerships to enhance its capabilities, further emphasizing its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
During the visit, Ambassador Bayraktar paid tribute to fallen NAF personnel by laying a wreath at the NAF Memorial Arcade. This solemn gesture honored the memory of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Nigeria.
The announcement of Turkey’s commitment to bolster defense cooperation and technology transfer with the Nigerian Air Force signifies a significant step forward in enhancing Nigeria’s defense capabilities and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
