The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has acquired two WingLoong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, otherwise known as drones, to fight Boko Haram terrorism and banditry.
Spokesman for the NAF, Ibikunle Daramola, posted on his Twitter handle that the drones can remain for 31 hours on Inertial Reference System, ISR mode and 26 hours on combat operations.
“Nigeria has joined China and UAE as the only countries operating the WingLoong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. The 2 x @NigAirForce WingLoong II, which can remain airborne for 31hrs in ISR mode & 26hrs in offensive role, will add significant value to counter insurgency and anti-banditry Operations
“In the last 5 years, 22 brand new aircraft have been acquired & 19 more are expected before mid 2021. Six other UCAVs are also expected by early 2021.
“Close to 200 @NigAirForce pilots, engrs & techs are undergoing training in 9 different countries as part of efforts to bridge decades of gaps in capability & capacity that have made Nigeria vulnerable to asymmetrical threats.
“These additional new air assets & skills acquired by personnel will greatly enhance @NigAirForce operational effectiveness which will translate into security for Nigeria & Nigerians.
“@CAS_AMSadique thanks the C-in-C @MBuhari, for the priority attention given to @NigAirForce to ensure a more secured nation,” Mr Daramola posted.
