Pakistan hands over 3 JF-17 fighter jets to Nigeria

Pakistan on Friday handed over three JF-17 fighter jets to Nigeria at a ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Makudri, Radio Pakistan has reported.

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra handed over aircraft to NAF.

Vice Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali graced the ceremony as the chief guest. Defence Minister Maj Gen (retd) Bashir Magashi represented Nigeria.

#PAF hands over three #JF17 Thunder aircraft to Nigerian Air Force at a ceremony held at Nigerian Air Force Base Makudrihttps://t.co/IVjKM8W0Tr pic.twitter.com/ZPmUxeRfOq

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 21, 2021

Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali addressed the ceremony. Meanwhile, he said it was a landmark of Pakistan’s JF-17 program. He also added that it also reflected the military cooperation and mutual trust between Nigeria and Pakistan.

Furthermore, Noman Ali assured that PAF and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex would continue to assist the Nigerian Air Force in meeting their needs.

Addressing the function, the Nigerian defense minister thanked Pakistan and PAF for their bilateral cooperation and partnership to enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces to meet the growing security challenges.

He expressed pleasure and excitement about the addition of JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan.

In October 2018, the cabinet body- Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) had okayed the issuance of a guarantee for the sale of three JF-17 aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force to support declining foreign exchange reserves.

The Ministry of Defense Production had submitted a summary to the ECC for approving the issuance of a certificate of sovereign guarantee to the Nigerian Air Force to show commitment to the supply of JF-17 fighter jets.

The Ministry of Defense Production had informed the ECC that the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Repair Overhaul Organization (ROO) had provided technical assistance to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

In addition, the ministry further informed the Economic Decision Making Committee that PAC Kamra had signed an agreement to sell three JF-17 fighter jets to the Nigerian Air Force and a related package.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has conveyed to Nigerian authorities to issue a certificate of sovereign guarantee for the export of JF-17 fighter jets. Subsequently, the Finance Division had issued a no-objection certificate to the issuance of a certificate of guarantee.