BREAKING: NAF Leverage Self-reliance, Reactivates Aircraft Grounded For 23 Years

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has showcased its engineering expertise by successfully reactivating a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been non-operational for 23 years. This achievement highlights NAF’s increasing capability for indigenous maintenance and its commitment to strengthening operational readiness.

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In a statement released by Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the initiative was described as a significant milestone in enhancing Nigeria’s aviation capabilities. The aircraft, previously registered as “5N-MPS,” was initially operated by the defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel. It had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001.

This reactivation effort underscores NAF’s resolve to develop self-reliant maintenance and engineering proficiency, reducing reliance on external resources while boosting the country’s defense and aviation sectors.

“However, sequel to a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF initiated this project.

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“The NAF took on the challenge of reactivating this aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, considering the task a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset.

“The reactivation process, for the grounded aircraft – redesignated “NAF-039” – was conducted between June and September 2024, involving meticulous planning and painstaking execution by a crack team of 5 engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group, Kaduna.”
The accomplishment, which required the application of advanced engineering techniques and adherence to stringent aviation standards, the statement said attested to the NAF’s growing technical expertise and resolute determination.

“The success of this project carries significant strategic implications, bearing in mind that, beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, it symbolises the Service’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.

“It also serves as a morale booster for the NAF engineers and technicians, showcasing their ability to undertake complex projects which otherwise would be outsourced to foreign entities.”

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, lauded the 431 Engineering Group for their dedication, and emphasised the broader import of the achievement, noting that the project reflects NAF’s resolve to optimise resources, strengthen its fleet, and uphold national security through operational excellence.

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“The successful reactivation of NAF 039 is not just an operational gain; it is a statement of our capabilities and our commitment to self-reliance,” he added.

Furthermore, statement expressed; “significantly, this accomplishment builds upon the NAF’s earlier successes, such as the conduct of the first in-country 4,800-hour inspection on another DO-228 aircraft in January 2024.

“Together, these milestones highlight the NAF’s growing capacity for advanced in-house aircraft maintenance and serve as a foundation for future projects aimed at achieving technical autonomy.

“The reactivation of NAF-039 after 23 years is more than an engineering achievement; it showcases the NAF’s ingenuity, resilience, and commitment to operational excellence. It also reaffirms the Air Force’s vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, while highlighting its dedication to resource optimisation and self-reliance.

“The newly reactivated aircraft will bolster the NAF’s tactical airlift capabilities by joining the fleet of DO 228 aircraft, a platform still actively used worldwide.

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“This achievement solidifies the NAF’s position as a formidable player in Africa’s aviation sector, with the potential to lead in indigenous maintenance and technical innovation.” the statement stated.

It will be recalled that the Chief of Staff during a recent interactive session with veterans, floated the idea of leveraging the robust skills and experiences of the retired personnel under a special initiative to recall some of them. And this arrangement is implemented, the NAF and the nation would have gained tremendously from the training of these personnel when they were in active service.