NAF Marks 60th Anniversary at African Air Forces Forum

ADF STAFF

More than 20 chiefs of air staff from across the continent came together in Nigeria to discuss innovating and integrating technology to enhance regional security.

Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar marked the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as he opened 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 said.

The event brought together more than 300 participants from more than 40 countries. It featured exhibits of new technology, speeches and panel discussions on enhancing defense capabilities. It wrapped up with demonstrations of precision flying during an air show at the NAF base in Kaduna on May 25.

Abubakar highlighted 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 selected to afford us the opportunity to collaborate and tap into the innovation potentials of the ever-evolving aerospace industry for enhanced national and regional security,” he said.

Parts of Sub-Saharan Africa are facing a multitude of security challenges, including violent extremism, terrorism and insurgency, he said.

“In addressing these threats, air power has emerged as the means of choice,” he said. “Therefore, this gathering of air chiefs could not have come at a better time than now, when the yearning for collaboration towards peace and stability on the continent is at its peak.”

Nigerian Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar lauded the NAF’s partnerships with technologically advanced countries and their manufacturers “for the acquisition of necessary platforms and expertise.”

“I believe the Nigerian Air Force has come a long way, having developed from inception in 1964 into a force to reckon with on the African continent and the world at large,” he said. “In its 60 years of existence, international cooperation and partnership have remained key components with other air forces and international companies.”

Minister Abubakar said that despite turbulent times, much has been achieved in Nigeria’s internal security operations.

“The Air Force has made significant contributions to the joint efforts of countering terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and several other criminal activities that threaten our existence,” he said. “The sophistication of those threats and the rapidity with which they evolve and transcend international frontiers underscore the need for the Nigerian Air Force to collaborate with other air forces and industry leaders.

“This is critical to the effective employment of air power capabilities in promoting stability.”