By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, declaring indigenous innovation as vital to national security and sustainable military capability.
This declaration was made by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, on Saturday, 17 May 2025, during the 2025 edition of the Inter-Command Research and Development (R&D) Competition and Exhibition held at NAF Base, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the 61st anniversary of the Service.
In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the strategic importance of local capacity development in the face of complex global and regional security challenges.
“No nation can be truly secure if it depends solely on external sources for its defence needs,” he stated. “In today’s unpredictable and rapidly evolving security environment, self-sufficiency in arms development and military technology is not a luxury, it is a strategic imperative.”
The CAS commended the significant strides NAF has made in transitioning from a consumer of imported technologies to a producer of indigenous solutions. He noted key achievements including the development of locally manufactured Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), rockets and rocket launchers, weaponisation of air platforms, and the retrofitting of previously unserviceable rockets.
He also highlighted advancements in software engineering and digital transformation, pointing out that the elevation of the NAF’s R&D Centre to an Institute has strengthened the Service’s innovation ecosystem. “We now have Artificial Intelligence laboratories and CNC machines embedded within the Institute, and our newly established Transformation and Innovation Branch at Headquarters NAF is providing the strategic oversight needed to ensure sustainability of these research outputs,” he said.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of revised Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Nigerian Air Force and Equipment Protection Application International Limited, as well as between the NAF and Lagos State University (LASU). The event also witnessed the formal inauguration of the NAF-LASU Joint Research Committee, which is expected to drive collaborative efforts in the development of indigenous technologies to bolster national security and enhance the operational capacity of the NAF.
The Inter-Command R&D Competition has grown into a flagship innovation platform within the NAF, providing units across the Service the opportunity to showcase practical and scalable technological solutions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence posture.
The 61st anniversary activities continue throughout the month, highlighting the Service’s evolving doctrine, enhanced capabilities, and commitment to national development through homegrown innovation.
