Richard Ginika Izuora
The Nigerian Air Force has acquired sophisticated fighter drone – the WingLoong II drone.
The acquisition of the fighter drone makes Nigeria the only African country to retain possession of the machinery.
In addition, Nigeria joins China and the United Arab Emirates as the only countries operating it. The development was disclosed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore, Ibikunle Daramola.
Daramola made the disclosure via his official handle on the microblogging site, Twitter.
‘‘Nigeria has joined China & UAE as the only countries operating the WingLoong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. The 2 x @NigAirForce WingLoong II, which can remain airborne for 31hrs in ISR mode & 26hrs in offensive role, will add significant value to COIN & anti-banditry Ops.’’
In addition, he tweeted that the drone would contribute to efforts to “bridge decades of gaps in capability and capacity that have made Nigeria vulnerable.”
Nigeria joined China & UAE as the only countries operating the WingLoong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. The 2 x @NigAirForce WingLoong II, which can remain airborne for 31hrs in ISR mode & 26hrs in offensive role, will add significant value to COIN & anti-banditry Ops /1 pic.twitter.com/gOOdUKtRau
— Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) November 10, 2020.
He affirmed that the drone would assist Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, anti-banditry operations and would further improve national security.
The Nigerian Air Force department claims it has acquired 22 brand new aircraft over the past five years; even as it claims it intends aspirations to acquire 19 more by June 2021.
Also, Daramola also stated that nearly 200 pilots, engineers and technicians are undergoing training in nine different countries to strengthen Nigeria’s air operations.