Nigerian Air Force Aims for 90% Aircraft Serviceability by Year-End
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is targeting a significant boost in its operational readiness, aiming to achieve a 90% aircraft serviceability rate across its entire fleet by the fourth quarter of 2025. This ambitious goal was revealed by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference held in Abuja on July 16, 2025.
The NAF's current average serviceability rate stands at 72%. The conference, themed "Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships," outlined the comprehensive strategies in place to reach this target.
Key Initiatives for Enhanced Readiness
To achieve its 90% serviceability goal, the NAF is implementing a multi-pronged approach:
Predictive Maintenance: Since April 2024, the NAF has adopted a predictive maintenance model. This proactive approach anticipates potential failures, allowing for scheduled interventions that minimize aircraft downtime.
New Directorate: A Directorate of Aircraft Life Cycle Management (DALCM) has been established under the Aircraft Engineering Branch. This new body will oversee the long-term health of the fleet, from initial acquisition to retirement.
Strategic Investments: The NAF has made substantial investments in crucial areas, including critical spares, up-to-date technical publications, ground support equipment, specialized tools, and equipment.
Intensive Training: Training programs are being intensified, focusing on predictive maintenance using data analytics and enhancing technical skill development across the force.
Digital Documentation: A comprehensive system for digital documentation is being introduced across all aircraft platforms to streamline maintenance records and processes.
In-country Maintenance: The NAF is actively pursuing in-country maintenance initiatives with international partners. This includes plans for an overhaul facility for Pratt and Whitney engines and a Flight Instrument Workshop for the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, fostering self-reliance.
Recent Successes and Fleet Expansion
The NAF has already seen significant breakthroughs in its maintenance efforts. This includes the first-ever in-country depot maintenance on a DO-228 aircraft and the successful reactivation of several previously grounded platforms. The force has also adapted weapons systems and repaired over 900 assorted weapons in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Aerospace Research and Development Centre (AFRDC).
Furthermore, the NAF's fleet is undergoing significant expansion. In the last two years, 15 high-tech aircraft have been acquired, including T-129 ATAK helicopters and Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft. An additional 49 platforms are expected by the end of 2026, comprising three CASA 295 transport aircraft, ten AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, twelve AH-1Z attack helicopters, and twenty-four M-346 fighter aircraft. These modern additions necessitate sophisticated, data-driven maintenance techniques, which the NAF is ready to implement.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that achieving a high serviceability rate is paramount for successful air operations in today's complex environment. He stated that these ongoing initiatives are crucial in positioning the NAF as a self-reliant and technologically advanced force.
