NAF adopts predictive maintenance, establishes new directorate for fleet longevity

In a strategic move to significantly enhance the serviceability, reliability, and longevity of its expanding fleet, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially adopted a Predictive Maintenance Culture and established a new Directorate of Aircraft Life Cycle Management (DALCM).

This new directorate will operate under its Aircraft Engineering Branch.

Disclosing this at the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, stated that the initiative aims to transform how the NAF sustains its assets, particularly in an era of advanced, high-tech air platforms.

“With the increasing induction of modern aircraft into our inventory, we can no longer rely solely on traditional maintenance methods,” Abubakar said.

“Predictive maintenance will allow us to anticipate potential failures and proactively schedule interventions, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational readiness.”

The newly established Directorate of Aircraft Life Cycle Management (DALCM) will be responsible for overseeing all phases of NAF aircraft.

This oversight will span from acquisition and induction into service, through operational deployment, and ultimately to retirement.

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“This life cycle approach ensures that all fleet management activities are strategically aligned with our evolving operational requirements,” the Air Chief emphasized.

“It’s an integral part of building a self-sustaining and mission-ready Air Force.”

Abubakar further revealed that the NAF’s inventory has grown significantly, with the acquisition of 15 new aircraft in the past two years alone.

These additions include:

• 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters
• 2 AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters
• 3 Beechcraft King Air aircraft

This strategic shift underscores the NAF’s commitment to optimizing its operational capabilities and ensuring the long-term viability of its air assets.