The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has marked another significant step in advancing airspace security with the graduation of a new batch of personnel trained on the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Radar System.
The graduation ceremony, held on 17 October 2025 at the Headquarters Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State, underscores NAF’s determination to enhance Nigeria’s defence posture against emerging aerial threats.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of Communication and Information Systems (CCIS), Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Kabir Usman, described the training as a strategic milestone in fortifying the nation’s air defence architecture.
He noted that the development comes at a critical time when drone technology is reshaping global and national security dynamics. “Asymmetric warfare has evolved beyond traditional methods, with adversaries now deploying drones for surveillance and offensive missions. The NAF, through continuous training, innovation, and investment in cutting-edge systems, remains prepared to counter these threats,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Usman highlighted ongoing initiatives supporting the Service’s modernisation drive, including the Military Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (MTRACON) Project, establishment of the Directorate of Cybersecurity, and specialised programmes in surveillance and spectrum monitoring.
In his remarks, the Air Component Commander, OPHK, Air Commodore U.U. Idris, praised the graduands for their dedication and professionalism. He explained that the Anti-UAV Radar System is designed to detect low, slow, and small aerial targets that conventional radars often overlook — a vital capability in countering unconventional threats.
Through his representative, the CAS commended both instructors and participants for their commitment and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to continuous innovation, capacity building, and technological advancement in line with his command philosophy: “To transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force capable of effectively meeting the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.”
