NAF reinforces regional ties with Ethiopian Air Force, targets UAV co-production

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a bold step toward strengthening intra-African defence cooperation following a high-level visit to the Ethiopian Air Force (FDRE AF) from 1–3 July.                                

The engagement signals renewed commitment to building African-led solutions in aerospace technology, training, and operations. Led by the NAF Director of Training, Air Commodore Ali Hussaini Idris, the Nigerian delegation toured key institutions including the FDRE Air Force Headquarters, Aviation Depot Maintenance Centre (ADMC), Dejen Aviation Engineering Industry (DAVI), and the Air Force Academy. The visit coincided with preparations for Ethiopia’s 90th anniversary of military aviation—an occasion underscoring the country’s rich aerospace legacy.

Discussions focused on deepening technical cooperation, with particular interest in Ethiopia’s capacity to overhaul platforms such as the L-39 jets and Mi-series helicopters. The visit opened new pathways for doctrinal exchange and potential joint programmes, including pilot and technician training, collaborative research, and the co-development of a fully indigenous African Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The NAF also extended an invitation for Ethiopian commanders to undergo advanced training at Nigerian institutions such as the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre and the Air War College, initiatives poised to boost interoperability and cultivate shared expertise on the continent.

Commenting on the significance of the engagement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, stated that “Such engagements underscore the NAF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing intra-African cooperation, fostering indigenous capabilities, and boosting operational effectiveness through strategic alliances.” This strategic partnership not only enhances mutual capacity but also reflects a broader aspiration, African nations working together to unlock the continent’s full aerospace potential through collaboration, innovation, and shared values.

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