The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed its commitment to achieving a 90 per cent aircraft serviceability rate across all platforms by the fourth quarter of the year.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the opening of NAF’s 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference.

The conference has as its theme, ‘Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.’

Abubakar explained that the current average aircraft serviceability stood at 72 per cent, with significant investments already made in spare parts, ground support equipment, and training, to raise the figure.

He stressed the pivotal role of aircraft engineering in achieving the service’s operational goals, highlighting its recent achievements in fleet modernisation.

He said that NAF had, in the last two years, acquired 15 high-tech aircraft, including T-129 ATAK helicopters and Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft.

He also revealed that 49 more platforms ranging from M-346 fighter jets to AH-1Z helicopters were expected before the end of 2026.

According to him, these platforms require sophisticated and data-driven maintenance techniques.

“We are already implementing a predictive maintenance culture to anticipate needs and reduce unexpected failures,” Abubakar said.

The CAS lauded NAF engineers and technicians for recent maintenance breakthroughs, including the first in-country depot maintenance on a DO-228 aircraft and the reactivation of several long-grounded platforms.

He also commended NAF’s armament technicians for their role in enhancing operational capabilities, citing the successful adaptation of weapons systems and repairs on over 900 assorted weapons in collaboration with DICON and AFRDC.

As part of efforts to institutionalise sustainable fleet management, he announced the creation of the Directorate of Aircraft Life Cycle Management (DALCM).

According to him, the new directorate will oversee all phases of NAF aircraft from acquisition to retirement and ensure long-term reliability and operational readiness.

He urged participants to share practical insights during the conference sessions, which would feature lectures by distinguished retired Air Vice Marshals on topics such as technical documentation, strategic partnerships, and aircraft life cycle management.

“Effective aircraft maintenance is the bedrock of operational success. Let us work together to build a more agile and robust Nigerian Air Force,” he said.