The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hidayet Bayraktar, has expressed the readiness of his country to heighten the already existing defence collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Turkish Government, through the transfer of defence technology.
The Ambassador Bayraktar stated this while on a courtesy visit to NAF Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday.
A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet, said the Ambassador noted that Turkey has, over the years, collaborated with the NAF and would not relent in ensuring that the partnership was taken to a much higher level.
He also assured that Turkey will not only sell defence products to NAF but would be happy to assist the NAF in developing its capacity to manufacture and maintain some of the products.
On the execution of the already existing TK-1 helicopter procurement agreement with the NAF, Ambassador Bayraktar promised to ensure the delivery of the platforms as scheduled as well as ensuring their sustenance through an effective maintenance strategy with the NAF.
In his response, Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, thanked the Ambassador for his assurances and noted that the NAF will leverage on the opportunities presented to improve its Research and Development (R&D) drive.
The CAS stated that the offer of technology transfer aptly aligns with one of the key enablers of his Command Philosophy, which prioritises R&D leveraging cutting-edge technology as well as lessons learnt.
Speaking further, he noted that the support of the Turkish Government was key to sustaining the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and implored the Ambassador to use his office to help fast-track the delivery of the six TK-1 helicopters to Nigeria.
The CAS then used the opportunity of the visit to emphasise the painstaking resolve of the NAF to capitalise on the prospects presented by key partners to develop and enhance NAF’s capability to effectively secure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
