By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing national defence capabilities through Indigenous technology and innovation.
Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa Director Public Relations and Information, NAF, disclosed this in a statement noted that the development took place during the launching of the NAF’s 2024 Research and Development (R&D) Retreat today at NAF Headquarters.
The two-day gathering brings together renowned experts and key stakeholders to propel homegrown technology.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar speaking on the theme “Exploring Indigenous Technology and Innovation Towards Driving NAF Transformation,” said the event aligns with the CAS’ Command Philosophy, emphasizing cutting-edge R&D, strategic partnerships, and applying valuable lessons learned.
He stressed R&D’s pivotal role in reducing foreign dependence and strengthening self-sustained operational capabilities.
As NAF prepares to incorporate 50 new aircraft between 2024 and 2026, Air Marshal Abubakar underscored the necessity of building indigenous capacity for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance for fleet sustenance and operational effectiveness.
He acknowledged strategic partnerships with UAVision of Portugal and Serbia’s Zenith Prom, aimed at technology transfer and indigenous production.
“Recent advancements include the TSAIGUMI UAV project and development of the Nigerian Air Force Integrated Management System (NAFIMS), designed to unify digital platforms and streamline decision-making,” he added.
The CAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the NAF towards becoming an agile and resilient Force.
Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola highlighted the Transformation and Innovation Branch’s role in coordinating NAF’s R&D efforts and praised recent achievements in drone technology, weapon development, and spare fabrication.
He pointed out the importance of the retreat ,noting that it would generate new ideas and approaches towards prioritising R&D , cutting edge technology and strategic partnerships in support of the CAS’ ongoing transformation of the NAF and urged stakeholders to contribute meaningful insights.
The Retreat showcased six R&D projects, selected for their potential impact on NAF operations. Guests toured the projects, providing constructive feedback on transitioning concepts from prototype to operationalization and commercialization.
The 2024 R&D Retreat aims to yield recommendations elevating NAF’s R&D capabilities, reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s security and technological advancement, Enugu Reporters noted.
