As part of its 61st anniversary celebrations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence technology, describing it as a national security imperative.
Speaking at the 2025 Inter-Command Research and Development (R&D) Competition and Exhibition held on 17 May at NAF Base Asokoro, Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, underscored the urgency of developing indigenous defence capabilities in light of evolving global and regional security threats.
“No nation can be truly secure if it depends solely on external sources for its defence needs,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated. “Self-sufficiency in arms and military technology is not a luxury—it is a strategic imperative.”
He praised the NAF’s transformation from a consumer of foreign technology to a creator of innovative military solutions, citing achievements such as the development of indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), rockets and launchers, and the successful retrofitting of unserviceable armaments.
In addition to hardware advancements, the CAS highlighted strides in software and digital innovation. He announced that the NAF’s R&D Centre has been upgraded to an Institute equipped with Artificial Intelligence labs and CNC machines. A newly established Transformation and Innovation Branch at NAF Headquarters now provides strategic oversight to ensure sustained innovation across the Service.
The event forms part of the NAF’s broader efforts to institutionalise homegrown technological solutions and reduce reliance on foreign military systems.
