The Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, has highlighted concerns regarding the overreliance on foreign countries for aircraft and spare parts. He emphasized the drawbacks of depending heavily on imported aircraft spares and equipment, citing challenges in sustaining flight operations. To address this issue, he stressed the importance of developing indigenous capacity for aircraft manufacturing and spare parts production through research and development.
During the 2024 NAF Research and Development Retreat in Abuja, Abubakar underscored the need to reduce dependency on foreign military products by enhancing local capabilities. He shared insights from his past experiences and emphasized the critical role of research and development in overcoming operational challenges faced by the Nigerian Air Force.
Abubakar highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s efforts to enhance its capacity to support the operation and maintenance of 50 new aircraft scheduled to join its fleet by 2026. By focusing on indigenous production through research and development, the aim is to decrease reliance on external sources.
The Chief of Air Staff mentioned ongoing projects within the Nigerian Air Force, such as the development of unmanned aerial vehicles and rocket launchers. He also noted collaborations with international partners to advance projects like the TSAIGUMI Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and technology transfer for rocket production.
Furthermore, Abubakar highlighted the NAF’s commitment to research and development, including the transformation of the Air Force Research and Development Centre into an Institute. These initiatives aim to enhance research capabilities, access more funding, and drive innovation within the Nigerian Air Force.
In addition to hardware advancements, the NAF has also made progress in software development, including the implementation of a digital correspondence application known as the ‘Paperless System’. Abubakar emphasized the multifaceted approach of the NAF’s research efforts to improve operational efficiency and technological innovation.