Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has handed over three JF-17 Thunder aircraft toNigerian Air Force to enhance its security capabilities.

A ceremony in this regard was held at Nigerian Air Force Base, Makudri.Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, Air Marshal Syed NomanAli, was the special guest while Nigeria’s Defence Minister, BashirMagashi, was the guest of honor.

Speaking at the occasion, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali said today’s event isa historical landmark for Pakistan’s JF-17 program and reflects strongmilitary cooperation and mutual trust between Nigeria and Pakistan.——————————

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Air Marshal Noman Ali said that Pakistan Air Force and PakistanAeronautical Complex would continue to provide all-out support to NigerianAir Force in meeting all its requirements. The Vice Chief of the Air Staffadded that the JF-17 aircraft would help improve the defense capabilitiesof the Nigerian Air Force.

Addressing the gathering, the guest of honor thanked Pakistan Air Force forextending its support and cooperation in enhancing the Nigerian Air Force’scapabilities to meet Nigeria’s security challenges.

Referring to the new induction, he said, “We are happy and excited aboutthe addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan.”——————————

The Nigerian Air Force had ordered three JF-17 Thunder jets in 2018, andthe delivery was expected by the end of 2020, which was pushed by sixmonths due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nigeria is expected to use these aircraft in its operations against armedbandit groups, Boko Haram, and other insurgent groups in the north of thecountry.

Note that Pakistan has already sold four JF-17 to India’s neighboringcountry, Myanmar, last year. The country aims to expand its aircraft marketto Malaysia, Azerbaijan, and other African countries.