More than 20 chiefs of air staff from across Africa came together in Nigeria to be concerned about innovating and integrating technology to improve regional security against terrorism. Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar observed the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as he extended the third edition of the African Air Forces Forum from May 23 to May 24 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
“As we celebrate 60 years of steadfast service and commitment to national and regional security, we look forward to engaging in fruitful collaborations and discussions that will propel our collective security and technological advancement into the future,” he stated.
The occasion brought together more than 300 parties from more than 40 countries. It featured exhibits of new technology, lectures and panel discussions on enhancing defence capabilities. It wrapped up with meetups of precision flying during an air show at the NAF base in Kaduna on May 25.
Abubakar stressed the need for continuous advancement of Air Force capabilities, technological innovations and strategic developments. “The theme, ‘Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security,’ was carefully chosen to afford us the opportunity to cooperate and tap into the innovation potentials of the ever-evolving aerospace industry for improved national and regional security,” he said.
Parts of Sub-Saharan Africa are meeting a multitude of security challenges, including violent extremism, terrorism and insurgency, he stated. “In addressing these threats, air power has appeared as the means of choice,” he said. “Therefore, this assemblage of air chiefs could not have come at a more reasonable time than now, when the yearning for cooperation towards peace and stability on the continent is at its peak.”
Nigerian Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar praised the NAF’s partnerships with technologically advanced nations and their manufacturers “for the acquisition of necessary platforms and expertise.”
“I believe the Nigerian Air Force has come a long way, having evolved from inception in 1964 into a force to reckon with on the African mainland and the world at large,” he stated. “In its 60 years of existence, international collaboration and partnership have remained essential components with other air forces and international organisations.” Minister Abubakar stated that despite turbulent times, much has been accomplished in Nigeria’s internal security operations.
“The Air Force has made important contributions to the joint efforts of countering terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and several other criminal actions that threaten our existence,” he stated. “The sophistication of those hazards and the rapidity with which they evolve and transcend international frontiers highlight the need for the Nigerian Air Force to cooperate with other air forces and industry leaders. “This is essential to the effective employment of air power capabilities in promoting stability.”
