KARACHI: The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra, formally handed over three JF-17 Thunder aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force at a graceful ceremony held at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Makudri, on Friday.

The ceremony was organised to mark the 57th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), according to information reaching here.

Nigerian Minister of Defence retired Maj Gen Bashir Magashi was the guest of honour on the occasion, representing the president, whereas Air Marshal Syed Noman Ali, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was invited to attend the ceremony as a special guest of the Nigerian Air Force.

Addressing the ceremony, Maj Gen Magashi expressed his gratitude to Pakistan and PAF for sustained bilateral cooperation and partnership for enhancing NAF capabilities to meet Nigeria’s security challenges.

Referring to the new induction, he said: “We are happy and excited on the addition of JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan.”

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2021