In a focused effort to bolster the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces with cutting-edge military hardware and equipment, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, embarked on a significant visit to Turkey. The primary aim of this diplomatic mission was to engage in discussions and exploration of potential collaborations between Nigeria and Turkey in the realm of military hardware and equipment production.
This critical development was announced to the press by the Director of Press of the Ministry, Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic endeavor. Minister Badaru, joined by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, set foot in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, where they initiated their expedition.
Their journey led them to the doors of the Turkish Aerospace Industries, a renowned establishment engaged in the manufacturing of modern military aircraft and various other defense equipment. The Honourable Minister, keen on firsthand understanding, meticulously inspected different segments of the facility.
During this informative visit, Engineer Temel Kotel, the Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish Aerospace Industries, shared valuable insights with Minister Badaru. He elaborated on the history and scope of the company’s operations, which commenced in 1973. Their core areas of expertise encompass the production of military aircraft, satellites, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Minister Badaru took this opportunity to commend the Turkish Aerospace Industries for their impressive track record, spanning over five decades, in manufacturing military equipment. This visit undoubtedly served as an opportunity to witness the remarkable strides Turkey has made in this field, underlining the potential benefits of closer collaboration.
Furthermore, Minister Badaru expressed his intention to explore the potential for cooperation with Turkey in intelligence sharing and information exchange. Such collaboration holds the promise of fostering mutual gains in the realm of defense, thereby strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Turkey. This visit marks a significant step towards furthering defense cooperation between the two nations, with an emphasis on objectivity, precision, and a shared commitment to bolstering security and military capabilities.
