The Nigerian military and political leadership have expressed “complete satisfaction” over the performance of the three JF-17 thunder fighter jets that it bought from Pakistan in May 2021.
The JF-17 aircraft, with its unique fighting capabilities, would prove to be a potent platform in addressing the security requirements of Nigeria,” the Inter-Services Public Relations agency (ISPR) said in a statement, quoting Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Nadeem Raza, after his meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, who is on official visit to Nigeria, called on Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria.
1/3 pic.twitter.com/njojshZWu9— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 3, 2021
The CJCSC who is reportedly on an official visit to Nigeria, held separate meetings with a group of other officials to discuss, “matters of bilateral and military cooperation (between Nigeria and Pakistan) including security, counter-terrorism, and prevailing regional environment.”
According to the statement, “Nigerian President thanked Pakistan and its armed forces for their consistent support to Nigeria in its war against terrorism”.
The CJCSC also reiterated that Pakistan is keen to expand its existing bilateral military to military cooperation with Nigeria.
It is worth mentioning that earlier upon arrival at Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Gen Nadeem was presented a guard of honor by a smartly turned-out contingent of Nigerian armed forces.
The three fighter jets were handed over to Nigeria on 20th May 2021, on the 57th anniversary of (Nigerian Air Force) NAF, following a $184 million sale contract between two countries.
PAC Kamra, formally handed over 03 JF-17 acft to Nigerian Air Force, during a graceful ceremony held at Makudri, Air Base, to mark the 57th anniversary of Nigerian Air Force. pic.twitter.com/Z5PrF2yV3W
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) May 21, 2021
The fighters were handed over by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra, which constructed the aircraft and was responsible for their delivery.
Nigerian Defence Minister Bashir Magashi, on the occasion, thanked Pakistan and its Air Force for their role in modernizing the local service and helping Nigeria meet its security challenges.
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“We are happy and excited about the addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan,” he said. The Nigerian Air Force’s main operational and security concern remains the militant group Boko Haram in the country’s north, and it is believed the JF-17 will make a considerable impact in addressing the threat.
JF-17
JF-17 Thunder is an advanced, lightweight, all-weather, day/night multi-role fighter aircraft; developed as a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra, and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) of China. It possesses excellent air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities.
The state-of-the-art avionics, optimally integrated sub-systems, computerized flight controls, and capability to employ the latest weapons provides a decisive advantage to JF-17 over adversaries of the same class.
This all-weather, multi-role light combat fighter has remarkable high combat maneuverability at medium and low altitudes. With effective firepower, agility, and combat survivability, the aircraft is likely to emerge as a potent platform for any air force.
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