The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic partnerships with other Air Forces to address challenges in pilot training. This statement was made during a meeting with the Commander of the Czech Air Force, Major General Petr Cepelka, at the Future Air Force 2023 Conference in Prague, Czech Republic.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with the Czech Air Force. This collaboration would focus on technological transfer, capacity building, research and development, with the aim of improving NAF maintenance capabilities, reducing aircraft downtime, and enhancing overall air operations.
He also sought cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and pilot training. Air Marshal Abubakar acknowledged the historical collaboration between the NAF and the Czech Air Force, including previous joint pilot training efforts, which had positively impacted NAF’s capabilities.
In response, Major General Petr Cepelka expressed gratitude for the longstanding relationship between the NAF and the Czech Air Force and pledged support in aircraft acquisition, maintenance, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations, and training of NAF Special Forces.
Air Marshal Abubakar’s presentation at the conference, titled “Pilot Training in the Nigerian Air Force – An Assessment,” underscored the importance of developing and deploying air power capabilities in addressing security challenges. He emphasized the need for rigorous pilot training to ensure mission success, despite operational challenges, economic constraints, and limited technological expertise.
During the conference, Air Marshal Abubakar also held discussions with Aero Vodochody, the Original Equipment Manufacturers of NAF L-39Z aircraft, regarding the overhaul and avionics upgrade of NAF’s aircraft.
This inaugural edition of the Future Air Force Conference in Prague gathered over 100 officials from 29 countries and representatives from aviation-related industries to explore modern air force training solutions and the latest defense and security technologies.
