By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Czech Republic have taken a major step toward deepening defence cooperation as both countries move to enhance security, technology transfer and regional stability.
In an official statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the partnership during a courtesy visit by the Junior Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, Radka Konderlova, and her delegation to NAF Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
Describing the visit as a reaffirmation of the long-standing friendship between both nations, the Air Chief praised the Czech Republic’s global leadership in defence and its active support for peace through the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), while noting Nigeria’s pivotal role in maintaining regional stability under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). “This engagement could not have come at a more auspicious time, as the Nigerian Air Force continues its deliberate transformation into an agile and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments,” he said.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the NAF’s frontline role in counter-terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. He also recalled the Service’s extensive contributions to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that such engagements reinforce Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to collective security in Africa and beyond.
Responding, the Czech Junior Deputy Minister of Defence reaffirmed her country’s readiness to broaden defence cooperation with Nigeria, stressing that air defence remains “the backbone of national security” and describing Nigeria as one of the Czech Republic’s most important partners in Africa. She underscored the importance of technology transfer, sustainable capacity building, and partnership-driven solutions that empower local industries and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. “Our collaboration carries immense potential for fostering peace and national development while contributing to global stability,” she added.
Looking ahead, the two parties identified several key areas of collaboration including logistics and sustainment support for the NAF’s L-39ZA fleet in partnership with Aero Vodochody, overhaul and possible acquisition of Mi-series helicopters, technical capacity building for aircraft maintenance crews and expanded partnerships in aerospace engineering, avionics and unmanned aerial systems. The NAF also expressed interest in cybersecurity, space technology, advanced radar systems, counter-drone solutions and signal interception capabilities, highlighting opportunities for cooperation with Czech companies such as Avast, RETIA and ERA.
In closing, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed confidence that the renewed partnership will deliver lasting benefits. “The initiatives we have outlined, anchored on mutual respect and a common commitment to global peace, will yield enduring security, mutual prosperity and a stronger partnership that will benefit not only our two countries, but the African continent and the broader international community,” he affirmed.
