By Emmanuel Obisue
As part of efforts to strengthen indigenous technology and innovation, and reduce foreign dependence for operational capabilities, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, launched its 2024 Research and Development, R&D Retreat on Tuesday.
Holding at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja, Nigerian Pilot reports that the two-day Retreat brings together esteemed experts and key stakeholders, and focuses on advancing homegrown technology to enhance national defence capabilities.
According to the NAF, the theme of the Retreat is: “Exploring Indigenous Technology and Innovation towards Driving NAF Transformation,” and it aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy, which emphasizes cutting-edge R&D, strategic partnerships, and applying valuable lessons learned.
Speaking on the central role of R&D in reducing foreign dependence and strengthening self-sustained operational capabilities, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar said his firsthand experiences as a Field Commander underscored the necessity of this shift, especially as the NAF prepares to incorporate 50 new aircraft between 2024 and 2026.
He noted that building indigenous capacity for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance will be essential to sustaining NAF’s fleet sustenance and operational effectiveness. The Retreat, he said, provides a crucial platform for experts to “generate ideas that will transform the Nigerian Air Force’s R&D efforts from initial concepts to tangible, operational outcomes”.
The Chief of the Air Staff also recognized key strategic partnerships, notably with UAVision of Portugal and Serbia’s Zenith Prom, aimed at technology transfer and indigenous production. “Recent advancements include the TSAIGUMI UAV project and the development of the Nigerian Air Force Integrated Management System (NAFIMS), designed to unify digital platforms and streamline decision-making”, he added. Before declaring the Retreat open, the CAS commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the NAF’s transformation into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of Nigeria’s national security in all operational environments.
Welcoming participants, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, emphasized the role of the Transformation and Innovation Branch in coordinating NAF’s R&D efforts, noting that the branch was established and empowered under the Chief of the Air Staff’s leadership.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the Retreat showcased six R&D projects, selected for their potential impact on NAF operations.