Page 52 - Air Forces Monthly - September 2017

FORCE REPORT Nigerian Air Force Part One

been a major increase in annual
recruit intake – typically about
500 in the past – since 2015.
On February 14 this year,
the CAS noted that the NAF
had inducted ‘over’ 2,000
recruits in 2016, and plans call
for the intake of 5,000 more
in two batches for 2017.
In July 2017, 1,928 recruits –
the largest number to date –
successfully completed their six-
month Basic Military Training
Course (BMTC) at the NAF’s
Military Training Centre, Kaduna
with “many” of them slated for Above: Mi-24V NAF 260 fitted with UB-32-57 pods for S-5 rockets. This helicopter is reportedly one of two acquired from
deployment on base protection Ukraine in 2014-15 at a cost of almost $137m. This aircraft was damaged by ground fire during operations against Boko
and combat duties. According to Haram in August 2015. The helicopter was repaired and returned to service with 115 (ex-97) Special Operations Group
the NAF, 4,163 recruits completed headquartered in Port Harcourt. NAF
basic training in the two-year at Bauchi; a QRW at Daura; 205 under construction at nearby (out of eight airframes); and
period between July 2015 and July Combat Search And Rescue Ammasoka. Other static units 303 (ex-203) Medium Airlift
2017 – a new record for the NAF. Group at Kerang, near Jos; 207 include 351 BSG at Minna Group (MAG), whose 227
The next intake of recruits slated QRG at Gusau; 209 QRG at and 371 FOB at Warri. Flying Wing nominally operates
for the BMTC numbers 3,000. Ipetu-Ijesha; 211 Regt Group Mobility Command flying units between one and three G222
According to NAF officials, SOC (RG) at Owerri; and the 213 include 301 (ex-201) ‘Buffaloes’ transports (out of six airframes)
comprises nine units located Forward Operating Base in Heavy Airlift Group (HAG), with at Ilorin, although these
across the country at bases Katsina (with airfield facilities). 221 Flying Wing at Ikeja (Murtala ‘operational’ aircraft appeared
including Bauchi, Daura, Gusau, Assessed in July this year, most Muhammed International to be grounded for maintenance
Ipetu-Ijesha, Jos, Owerri and Yola. of these SOC units appeared Airport, MMIP), operating three at Ikeja in early 2017.
A planned air element, with to exist only in skeletal form airworthy C-130H/H-30 Hercules Other MC units are 305 (ex-
201 (ex-89) Composite Group while their facilities and cadre
(CG) at Bauchi, will include were being gradually built
combat and logistics aircraft; it up – with some units being
currently fields several Quick formally commissioned, such
Response Groups (QRGs) and as the QRW at Daura and
QR Wings (QRWs) manned 213 FOB, as of late July.
by NAF Regiment troopers.
The SOC is also understood Mobility Command
to include 013 Quick Reaction Created out of Military
Force at Minna, although as a Airlift Command in February
DRU it may have a dual reporting 2011, Mobility Command is
structure. headquartered at Yenagoa, where
Known SOC units it sits alongside 235 BSG (its new
include 201 300-series number is not yet
CG (currently known), which provides support.
without Curiously, Yenagoa has no Above: A NAF Regiment door gunner in Mi-24V NAF 260 on deployment at Ikeja
aircraft) airfield, although a facility is IAP during Operation Awatse in August 2016. NAF

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