The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has met key aerospace and defence stakeholders in Brazil to boost the Nigerian Air Force’s effectiveness.
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has met key aerospace and defence stakeholders in Brazil to boost the Nigerian Air Force’s effectiveness.
This was confirmed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement released Sunday in Abuja.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts to transform the NAF into a more agile force capable of confronting Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s dedication to strengthening strategic ties with partner nations and key players, stressing the vital role of international collaboration.
Abubakar emphasised that strategic partnerships are crucial to building an agile, innovative, and combat-ready air force amid an increasingly complex security landscape.
“Nigeria and Brazil enjoy a long history of military ties, and we aim to deepen this relationship for mutual benefit,” Abubakar said.
During the visit, the CAS attended the 2025 Latin America Aerospace Defence and Security (LAAD) Fair held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
While at the event, he held meetings with Mr Bosco Da Costa Junior, President/CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, and Lt Gen Malta of the Brazilian Air Force.
Discussions focused on boosting the NAF’s operational and technical capabilities, especially concerning the A-29 Super Tucano fleet and other key aircraft.
Further talks explored collaboration in pilot and technical training, logistics, and research and development to strengthen NAF’s long-term capacity.
Abubakar also engaged with international exhibitors, including Arsenal, FN Herstal, OGMA, and the Portuguese Air Force, during his visit.
These interactions reflected the drive to build a modern Air Force fit to respond to Nigeria’s dynamic security challenges.
After the LAAD Fair, the CAS toured Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, where the A-29 Super Tucano and KC-390M aircraft are manufactured.
He also visited GESPI in São José dos Campos, expressing appreciation for the firms’ continued partnership with the Nigerian Air Force.
Abubakar urged them to sustain their support towards improving the NAF’s operational efficiency and mission readiness.
The CAS’s visit aligns with NAF’s 2025 strategic objectives, focused on readiness, modernisation, and deepening global partnerships. (NAN)
