Joseph Bakare
Nigeria and Turkey are discussing more robust defence and bilateral cooperation.
The discussion came up during the visit of the Minister of Defence (HMOD), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar to Turkiye to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by the Federal Government.
As part of programmes lined up for the visit, the HMOD held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Lieutenant General Yasar Guler (Rtd), on critical bilateral and defence cooperation issues.
General Guler promised the HMOD of every support required from the Turkish military and defence companies to further strengthen and accelerate the defeat of terrorism and other criminal challenges facing Nigeria.
The Minister and the CAS also visited some selected Turkish companies, including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan and Roketsan. These companies are among highly rated global defence companies renowned for the production of quality defence and military equipment. While at these companies, the HMOD called for improved synergy between the companies and Nigeria through the transfer of defence technology to Nigeria.
Recall that the Federal Government procured 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industry, out of which 2 are to be delivered to the NAF in the coming weeks. The remaining helicopters are expected before the end of Second Quarter of 2024.