The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness by dispatching a high-level delegation to Portugal to assess the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of C-130H transport aircraft NAF 913.

The delegation, directed by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, and included the Commander of the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri. During the visit, the team engaged with officials of OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to review progress and identify measures to facilitate the timely completion of the maintenance programme.

The visit also served to reassure the public regarding the status of the aircraft, which had been deployed to Portugal for its scheduled depot-level maintenance. According to the NAF, the programme reflects the Service’s continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, technical integrity and internationally recognised maintenance practices.

During their visit, the delegation inspected the ongoing maintenance work and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on optimising maintenance timelines and ensuring the aircraft’s prompt return to operational service. Given the C-130H’s strategic role in national and regional airlift operations, both parties reviewed initiatives aimed at maintaining progress and successfully completing the overhaul.

The engagement also highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the Nigerian Air Force and international aerospace industry partners in sustaining critical airlift capabilities while enhancing the Service’s ability to support national security missions.

In addition to the current maintenance programme, discussions explored broader opportunities for future collaboration in areas including long-term fleet sustainment, technical training, logistics support and future maintenance requirements. The delegation also examined potential cooperation on emerging strategic airlift programmes, reflecting the Nigerian Air Force’s long-term approach to capability development.

Commenting on the visit, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke stated:

“The safety of our personnel and the airworthiness of our platforms remain paramount. We will continue to strengthen our maintenance culture and strategic partnerships to ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a highly professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.”

The visit underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s continued efforts to preserve its critical airlift capability while reinforcing public confidence in the Service’s professionalism, technical competence and operational resilience.