The Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh yesterday said three Donier Do 228 training planes at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna are being refurbished.

The chief made the remarks while inspecting Air Force units in Abuja. He said the three Do 228 aircraft used for pilot training are undergoing routine maintenances in Kaduna.

The planes are in the final stage of repairs and will be certified airworthy soon. He said the Air Force has a total of 16 aircraft types and all of them are serviceable including the C-130 and Alpha jets recently deployed to Mali for peace support operations.

He said the new vision of the air force chief was to transform the force into a self reliant and highly professional fighting force through the application of innovative technology in fulfillment of national defence and security objectives.