The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has paid a bilateral visit to Turkey to further discuss and explore how best Nigeria can partner with Turkey on the production of Military hardware and equipment.
A Statement by the Director, public relations, Henshaw Ogubike says Badaru, accompanied by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, visited the Turkish Aerospace Industries in the capital city, Ankara, to see things for himself.
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He inspected various sections of the firm in charge of the manufacturing of modern military aircraft and other defence equipments.
The CEO of the company, Engineer Temel Kotel informed the Minister that the industry was established in 1973 with the primary goal of manufacturing military aircraft, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles
The minister adds that Nigeria would explore the possibility of partnering with Turkey in intelligence and information sharing for the mutual benefit of both countries in Defence cooperation
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force says the visit will facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force by the Federal Government to further strengthen and accelerate the defeat of terrorism and other criminal challenges facing Nigeria.
Recall that the Federal Government procured 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters from the 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 the Second Quarter of 2024.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
