The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar are currently in Turkey to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force by the Federal Government.
As part of the programmes lined up for the visit, the Defence Chief held talks with his Turkish counterpart, retired Lieutenant General Yasar Guler, on critical bilateral and defence cooperation issues.
General Guler promised the Defence chief 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 Air Chief also visited some selected Turkish companies, including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan and Roketsan.
The companies are among the highly rated global defence companies renowned for the production of quality defence and military equipment.
While at the companies, the Defence chief called for improved synergy between the companies and Nigeria through the transfer of defence technology to Nigeria.
The Federal Government had 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.