By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has deepened Nigeria’s defence partnerships with the People’s Republic of China during a week-long working visit to major aerospace facilities between 24 and 30 August 2025.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the high-powered delegation led by the CAS visited top aviation and defence companies across several Chinese cities, reaffirming NAF’s commitment to boosting operational effectiveness through international collaboration.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the meeting with the leadership of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) in Beijing on 25 August. Discussions centred on sustaining the serviceability of platforms already in the NAF fleet. Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that agreements were reached on timely supply of spare parts, stronger after-sales support, and expanded training opportunities for NAF personnel. “Our discussions with CATIC were focused on sustaining the serviceability of platforms already in our fleet. We reached renewed agreements on timely spare parts supply, stronger after-sales support, and expanded training opportunities for our personnel. This is a major boost to our operational readiness,” the CAS stated.
On 26 August, the delegation toured Haerbin Aircraft Company, where they were received by the Vice President, Mr. Wang Shilei. The company, which produces the Z-20 medium-lift utility helicopter for the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Force, gave a detailed presentation on the platform’s capabilities. The NAF team inspected the Z-20 helicopter, noting its potential, and expressed interest in further technical investigations. Mr. Shilei commended the visit and expressed optimism for deeper cooperation between China and Nigeria.
From Haerbin, the delegation proceeded to Chengdu, where they visited the JF-17 Aircraft Manufacturing Installation. The Chief Designer of the facility delivered a comprehensive briefing on the JF-17B and JF-17 Block III aircraft, highlighting differences from the JF-17II currently in NAF’s fleet. The team inspected the JF-17B prototype at the assembly plant and tested the JF-17C simulator to practically assess its features and cockpit layout.
Speaking after touring the facilities, Air Marshal Abubakar noted: “What we have seen here is a demonstration of China’s advanced aerospace technology. For us in the Nigerian Air Force, these visits are about exploring avenues for technology transfer and industrial cooperation that will directly impact our fleet modernisation and long-term self-reliance.”
At the AVIC Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Company, the CAS emphasized the growing role of drones in modern warfare, particularly in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). “Unmanned systems are increasingly defining the future of air operations. Our engagement here is critical to improving our Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities, which are essential for counterterrorism and internal security operations back home,” he explained.
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar stressed that the engagements align with his vision of building “an agile and resilient Air Force.” He added: “By deepening our partnerships with trusted global players, we are ensuring improved fleet availability, enhanced maintenance support, and mission readiness to meet Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.”
