The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international air power cooperation and advancing collective security efforts during the SICOFAA Symposium held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Speaking at the high-level gathering of Air Chiefs, senior military leaders and strategic partners from across the Americas and Africa, Air Marshal Aneke represented Nigeria in his dual capacity as Chief of the Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force and Chairman of the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF).
Addressing participants at the symposium, the Air Chief stressed the importance of deepening global partnerships to effectively confront emerging security challenges, noting that Nigeria remains committed to fostering international collaboration in the areas of peace, security and defence cooperation.
Speaking on the theme of the symposium, Air Marshal Aneke observed that the contemporary security environment, marked by terrorism, transnational crime, humanitarian crises and natural disasters, demands greater innovation, interoperability and strategic cooperation among Air Forces around the world.
He noted that the Association of African Air Forces continues to play a critical role in promoting professional excellence, capacity development and the exchange of best practices among African Air Forces while strengthening partnerships with international organisations such as SICOFAA.
The Chief of the Air Staff identified several areas for enhanced cooperation, including joint exercises, air mobility operations, search and rescue missions, aerospace medicine, logistics support and disaster response initiatives. According to him, such collaborations are essential for improving collective operational effectiveness and strengthening regional and global security frameworks.
Air Marshal Aneke also highlighted the planned African Air Forces Field Training Exercise scheduled to take place in Kenya in 2027, describing it as a landmark initiative that will enhance readiness for joint security and humanitarian operations involving African Air Forces and selected international partners.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professional excellence, collective security and enduring international partnerships, he urged participants to transform the symposium’s deliberations into practical actions capable of deepening trust, strengthening interoperability and enhancing global air power cooperation.
The participation of the Nigerian Air Force at the symposium further underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in international defence diplomacy and highlights the country’s role as a dependable partner in promoting peace, stability and collaborative security efforts across regions.
