The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expanding global defence partnerships to enhance operational effectiveness and modernise its fleet.
Abubakar stated this during a week-long working visit to the People’s Republic of China, according to a statement on Sunday in Abuja by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Ejodame said the CAS led a high-powered delegation that held talks with leading aviation and defence companies in Beijing, Harbin, and Chengdu. Discussions centred on technology transfer, maintenance support, and training opportunities for NAF personnel.
One of the highlights of the visit was Abubakar’s meeting with the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation in Beijing on 25 August.
He also inspected the Z-20 utility helicopter at Harbin Aircraft Company on August 26 and visited Chengdu’s JF-17 manufacturing facility, where he assessed the JF-17B prototype and undertook simulator flights.
The CAS said the engagements consolidated Nigeria’s defence diplomacy in Asia and reaffirmed the country’s position as a reliable partner in global security cooperation.
According to Ejodame, talks with CATIC focused on sustaining the serviceability of aircraft already in NAF’s fleet.
‘Agreements were reached on timely spare parts supply, stronger after-sales support, and expanded training opportunities’, he said.
Abubakar described the outcomes as a major boost to Nigeria’s operational readiness.
‘What we have seen here is a demonstration of China’s advancement and a chance to explore avenues for technology transfer and industrial cooperation that will directly impact our fleet modernisation and long-term self-reliance’, he noted.
The CAS also toured the AVIC Unmanned Aerial Systems Company, where he underscored the growing role of drones in modern warfare.
‘Unmanned systems are increasingly defining the future of air operations. Our engagement here is critical to improving our Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities, which are essential for counterterrorism and internal security operations back home’, he said.
He added that the engagements align with his vision of building an agile and resilient Air Force.
‘By deepening our partnerships with trusted global players, we are ensuring improved fleet availability, enhanced maintenance support and mission readiness to meet Nigeria’s evolving security challenges’, he added.
