Nigerian Air Force Advances Indigenous Technical Capacity Through 2026 Nigerian Air Force Type Rating Course

Nigerian Air Force Advances Indigenous Technical Capacity Through 2026 Nigerian Air Force Type Rating Course

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken another significant step towards strengthening indigenous technical capability with the commencement of the First Batch of the 2026 Nigerian Air Force Type Rating Course (NAFTRAC) across eight designated training centres. The programme aligns with one of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s key drivers of “Standardised Training and Mission-Focused Capability Development,” reinforcing the Service’s commitment to building a highly skilled, self-reliant and mission-ready technical workforce capable of sustaining modern air power and enhancing operational readiness. The courses provide specialised training on critical operational platforms and Communication and Information Systems, ensuring the expertise required to support the Nigerian Air Force’s expanding operational capabilities.

The simultaneous commencement of the platform-specific courses underscores the NAF’s deliberate investment in technical excellence as a strategic enabler of aircraft serviceability, operational safety and mission success. During inauguration ceremonies held across the training centres, commanders encouraged participants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and teamwork, reminding them that technical competence remains indispensable to sustaining air power and delivering effective air operations in support of national security.

At the inauguration of the Bell 412EP Type Rating Course at 231 Helicopter Overhaul Depot, Bauchi, the Guest of Honour, Air Vice Marshal OC Ubadike, Deputy Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), congratulated the 20 selected trainees and urged them to maximise both the classroom and On-the-Job Training components to acquire the competencies required to enhance the serviceability, operational safety and mission readiness of the Bell 412EP fleet. The ceremony was attended by the Commander, Small Arms and Light Weapons Group, Group Captain E. Osuwa; the Commander, 231 Helicopter Overhaul Depot, Group Captain JA Idown; and the NAFTRAC Coordinator, Group Captain AA Haruna, further highlighting the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to developing the technical professionals whose expertise will sustain its growing air capabilities and support Nigeria’s air power and national security objectives.