By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with friendly nations and key players in the aerospace and defence sectors.
This was disclosed in a statement relayed to Enugu Reporters by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame on Sunday.
During an official visit to Brazil from April 1-4, 2025, Abubakar emphasised the importance of international collaboration in building a more agile, innovative, and combat-ready air force.
He noted that the Nigerian Air Force’s top brass engaged in high-level meetings with Brazilian counterparts, including the President/CEO of Embraer Defence and Security, Mr. Bosco Da Costa Junior, and the representative of the Chief of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant General Malta.
These discussions centered on enhancing the operational and technical capacity of the NAF, particularly in sustaining the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet and other platforms in its inventory.
The engagements also focused on fostering collaboration in pilot, technical, and logistics training, as well as research and development initiatives. Abubakar’s interactions with several international exhibitors, including Messrs Arsenal, FN Herstal, OGMA, and representatives of the Portuguese Air Force, underscored the NAF’s commitment to building a modern and capable Air Force.
“In an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment, strategic partnerships remain a critical pillar in building a more agile, innovative, and combat-ready air force. Nigeria and Brazil share a long-standing history of military cooperation, and we are here to strengthen that bond for mutual benefit.”
The CAS visited Embraer Defence & Security’s facility at Gavião Peixoto, where the A-29 Super Tucano and KC-390M aircraft are produced, as well as the facility of GESPI in São José dos Campos. During these visits, Abubakar appreciated both companies for their continued partnership with the NAF and urged them to sustain their support in enhancing the Service’s operational efficiency and mission readiness.
Air Marshal Abubakar’s visit to Brazil forms part of a broader effort to deepen global partnerships in line with the NAF’s 2025 Strategic Objectives, prioritizing enhanced operational readiness, force modernization, and international collaboration.
Enugu Reporters noted that the move by the CAS aims to transform the NAF into a more resilient and agile force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
