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History of The Nigerian Air Force |
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Evolution of the Nigerian Air Force |
The evolution of the NAF of today could be broken down into 5 distinct eras: its
early development (1961–1967), the Nigerian Civil War period (1967–1970), the
post-civil war years (1970–1980), the era of consolidation (1980 – 1990) and
1990 to the present day.
Early Development (1961 – 1967). The significant milestones of early
development of the NAF are as follows:
a. Foreign Assistance. Following the decision to establish the NAF,
discussions were held with the governments of Canada, Germany, India and
Ethiopia for pilot training. Ethiopia was the first to give a positive response
when on 11 June 1962, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Sellasie II granted
the approval of 10 scholarship slots to train NAF pilots in Ethiopia. Thus, the
first batch of cadets for training as Air Force officers were recruited and sent
on training with the Ethiopian Air Force in July 1962. A second batch of 16
followed in February 1963 to train at the Royal Canadian Air Force, while 6
others were sent to the Indian Air Force in the same year. It was, however, the
Germans that were more forthcoming on the issue of the establishment of the NAF
and this resulted in the agreement between Nigeria and Germany for the
engagement of the German Air Force Assistance Group (GAFAG) from the German Air
Force (GAF). On 2 August 1963, an initial batch of 84 NAF officer cadets and
recruits were despatched to Germany for training in flying and ground related
duties.
b. Agreement with Germany. Following the initial agreement between
Nigeria and the German Government in 1964, the GAFAG assumed the responsibility
of building up the NAF. The German Air Force provided the platforms and
logistics for the full take-off of the NAF and the training of its personnel,
both locally and abroad. By May 1966, about 513 personnel had benefited from
training facilities in Germany. The task of steering the infant NAF fell on the
shoulders of Colonel G Kahtz now on record as the first Chief of the Air Staff
assisted by other German officers. Colonel W Timming later took over NAF
leadership from Colonel Kahtz on 24 November 1965. It was under this tutelage,
that the nucleus of the NAF was established.
c. Undergraduate Pilot Training. A significant development in this era
was the sending of NAF officer cadets for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) and
Advanced Flying Course in the United States. Four cadets went to the United
States in May 1964 and on completion of their course, returned to Nigeria on 14
September 1965. Notably, the 4 returned home with laurels. By this time, the
batches sent to Canada, Ethiopia and India had returned to Nigeria with those
from Ethiopia and Canada returning as commissioned officers, while those from
India and the United States were presented locally before a board which
considered them for commissioning in Nigeria. Except for the period of military
sanctions against Nigeria, the USAF UPT programme has continued to be a major
source of pilot production for the NAF.
d. Commencement of Local Flying Training. Local flying training started
on 3 November 1965 when the first 18 trainees started training in NAF Base
Kaduna. The training consisted of continuity flying training for young NAF
pilots returning home from primary flying training abroad. The aircraft used
were the Piaggio 149D Primary Trainer and the Dornier 27 light liaison transport
aircraft.
e. “Nigerianization”. The agreement with GAF had only a 4 year life span
during which the NAF could not have nurtured and trained NAF officers senior
enough to take over command and administration of the Service from the Germans.
The Nigerian government decided to transfer some Nigerian Army officers to the
NAF to understudy the Germans and form the first nucleus of indigenous officers
of the NAF in 1964. The officers were later given on-the-job training in various
establishments of the Luftwaffe in Germany during which they understudied the
GAF system of administration at the GAF Headquarters. On return to Nigeria in
late 1964, they were appointed as Senior Air Officers with Germans assisting
strictly in advisory capacities. The final step towards “Nigerianization”
commenced with Nigerians taking over command of some of the units while the
German officers became their advisers. Nevertheless, as a result of Nigeria’s
first military coup de’tat of 15 January 1966, the Germans abruptly,
unceremoniously and unilaterally, terminated their agreement with the Nigerian
government and hurriedly left the country. They asserted that their contract was
with a civilian democratic government and not a military government. Meanwhile,
the leadership of the NAF fell on the shoulders of Lieutenant Colonel George
Kurubo who became the first indigenous Commander of the NAF on 16 January 1966.
Credit must be given to the Germans because by the time they left, a firm
foundation was in place to enable the new Nigerian leadership develop the Force
into its next stage.
The Civil War Period (1967 – 1970). The second stage in the evolution of
the NAF was marked by the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in August 1967.
This era witnessed the launching of the young and inexperienced NAF into war
after barely 3 years of its existence. During the Civil War, the NAF was
initially tasked with providing light liaison transport. However, following the
acquisition of the B-26 Bomber aircraft and helicopters by the Biafran Air
Force, the Service was rapidly developed and tasked with reconnaissance, air
defence and offensive roles. Ground attack aircraft such as the MiG 15 and 17,
and medium transport aircraft were hurriedly acquired for the Service. Besides,
more NAF units were established within this period to facilitate the prosecution
of the war. The Civil War period thus signified a period of rapid growth and
expansion in the NAF.
The Post-Civil War Years (1970-1980). The third phase in the evolution of
the NAF was the post-civil war period (1970-1980) when the Service was faced
with the challenges of reorganization after being plunged into war prematurely.
Tactical aircraft were regrouped according to their roles while a NAF Training
Command was established. An Advanced Flying Training Wing was subsequently
established and equipped with the L-29 aircraft. The main thrust at this time
was the need to establish an air force that would cater for the future. The
force structure was modelled after those of the Royal Air Force and the United
States Air Force. 7. The Era of Consolidation (1980 – 1990).
The era of consolidation (1980 - 1990) marked a period of integration
into global events and the building of a sophisticated air force with the
capacity to assert and consolidate Nigeria’s posture and authority at both
regional and sub-regional levels. Specifically, it marked the involvement of the
NAF in several successful international peace support operations and internal
security initiatives that have given it a pride of place in the World. This era
saw the NAF expand its training and operational fleet as well as capabilities.
With aircraft like the British Jaguar, the Russian MiG-21, the German Alpha Jet,
the Italian Aermacchi MB-339A, the Czech L-29, the French Super Puma to mention
a few. This period can be termed the ‘Golden Years’ of the NAF, because it saw
the NAF at its highest level of professional development. The professional
display of robust air power by the NAF during its NAF Day Celebration in 1988
where the then Ghanian leader, Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings, was the Guest
of Honour was a glowing testimony to the status of the NAF during this period.
1990 to 2000. The period 1990 till about 2000 witnessed a steady decline
in the fortunes of the NAF. Operational activities decreased to an all time low.
By the end of this period, the effects of years of neglect and inadequate
funding not only degraded operational readiness but culminated to
infrastructural decay. This state of the NAF was occasioned by a combination of
factors including a deliberate policy of neglect by some past administrations,
politicisation of the military as a result of the military’s involvement in
governance as well as poor leadership. This era also coincided with a period of
national economic downturn and various international embargoes against Nigeria.
All these combined to stunt the growth and development of the NAF and almost
grounded it. |
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