Nigerian Air Force Deepens Strategic Partnerships To Drive Indigenous Aerospace Capability and National Development

Nigerian Air Force Deepens Strategic Partnerships To Drive Indigenous Aerospace Capability and National Development

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a modern, self-reliant and mission-ready force through strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening indigenous aerospace capabilities and advancing national development. This was the focus as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, received a delegation from Messrs Calidus of the United Arab Emirates, led by Rear Admiral Lassa (Rtd), during a courtesy visit to Headquarters Nigerian Air Force. During the engagement, both sides explored areas of collaboration designed to enhance the NAF’s operational effectiveness while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. The CAS noted that such partnerships are integral to the NAF’s force modernisation agenda and its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the proposed collaboration extends beyond the acquisition of aviation capabilities to include institutional capacity building through advanced training, technology transfer, aircraft sustainment support and the development of critical aerospace infrastructure. He stated that these initiatives would strengthen operational readiness, expand pilot training opportunities, improve maintenance capabilities and promote greater self-reliance. The CAS further underscored the importance of developing indigenous technical expertise as a key driver of a sustainable and resilient defence aviation sector capable of supporting national security objectives while contributing to Nigeria’s technological advancement, industrial growth and economic development, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises local capacity development, innovation and sustainable national development.

Speaking on behalf of Messrs Calidus, Rear Admiral SS Lassa (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage with the Nigerian Air Force on areas of mutual interest. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering a long-term partnership anchored on knowledge transfer, innovation and sustainable capacity development, noting that Messrs Calidus remains committed to supporting the NAF’s vision of building a resilient and self-reliant aerospace capability. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration would deliver lasting benefits for the Nigerian Air Force while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s defence and aviation sectors, as well as the nation’s broader technological and economic advancement.