By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reiterated NAF’s strong commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with friendly nations, as well as key players in the aerospace and defence sectors. He made this known during an official visit to Brazil from 1 to 4 April 2025.
Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame in an official signed statement disclosed that this move is part of efforts to transform the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) into a more resilient and agile force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) emphasized the significance of global partnerships, noting that “In an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment, strategic partnerships remain a critical pillar in building a more agile, innovative, and combat-ready air force.
“Nigeria and Brazil share a long-standing history of military cooperation, and we are here to strengthen that bond for mutual benefit.”
The statement further disclosed that the CAS while on the visit, participated in the Latin America Aerospace Defence and Security (LAAD) Fair 2025 held in Rio de Janeiro.
At the event, Air Marshal Abubakar held high-level meetings with the President/CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, Mr Bosco Da Costa Junior, as well as the representative of the Chief of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant General Malta.
The discussions centred on enhancing the operational and technical capacity of the NAF, particularly in sustaining the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet and other platforms in its inventory.
The engagements also focused on fostering collaboration in pilot, technical and logistics training, as well as research and development initiatives.
In addition to his meetings with Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force, the CAS interacted with several international exhibitors, including Messrs Arsenal, FN Herstal, OGMA, and representatives of the Portuguese Air Force.
These interactions underscored the CAS’s commitment to building a modern and capable Air Force that can effectively address Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape.
Following the LAAD Fair, the CAS visited Embraer Defence & Security’s facility at Gavião Peixoto, where the A-29 Super Tucano and KC-390M aircraft are produced, as well as the facility of GESPI in São José dos Campos. During the visits, Air Marshal Abubakar appreciated both companies for their continued partnership with the NAF and urged them to sustain their support in enhancing the Service’s operational efficiency and mission readiness.
The Chief of Air Staff’s visit to Brazil is part of a larger strategy to strengthen global partnerships, aligning with the Nigerian Air Force’s 2025 Strategic Objectives. These objectives focus on three key areas: Enhanced Operational Modernization, Force Modernization, and International Collaboration, all aimed at transforming the NAF into a highly effective and agile force.
