Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra formally handed over three JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Nigerian Air Force during a ceremony held at Nigerian Air Force base Makudri to mark the 57th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force on Friday.
According to a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) press release, Minister of Defence of Nigeria Major General (Rtd) Bashir Magashi was the guest of honour representing the Nigerian president, whereas the PAF vice chief of the air staff, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali, was invited to attend the ceremony as the special guest of the Nigerian Air Force.
Addressing the ceremony, the Nigerian defence minister expressed his gratitude to Pakistan and the PAF for sustained bilateral cooperation and partnership for enhancing capabilities of Nigerian Air Force to meet Nigeria's security challenges.
“We are happy and excited on the addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan,” Magashi said while referring to the new induction.
Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali said that the event was not only a historical landmark for Pakistan's JF-17 programme but was also a reflection of strong military cooperation and mutual trust between Nigeria and Pakistan.
Air Marshal Noman Ali also said the PAF and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex would continue to provide all-out support to the Nigerian Air Force in meeting all its requirements.