The local reactivation of the cargo aircraft, which was carried out by Sabena Technics of France in conjunction with Nigerian Air Force engineers and technicians, involved extensive disassembly of the aircraft parts, inspection, repair and overhaul of components in Ikeja, Lagos state.

Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said the involvement of Air Force personnel in the reactivation was to further expose them to every stage of the in-depth maintenance process, with a view to domesticating maintenance capabilities.

The C-130 Hercules aircraft is an important component of ongoing security operations, through airlift and movement of troops, equipment, armament, and other material.

The PDM reactivation of the second Hercules cargo aircraft has also commenced.

The Periodic Depot Maintenance is a calendar aircraft inspection conducted at 6-year intervals or after 5,000 flying hours. It was previously conducted abroad.

Three L-39ZA fighter aircraft were also recently reactivated in-country to enhance the number of serviceable fighter jets in the Air force inventory.