By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has reaffirmed the NAF’s strong commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with friendly nations, as well as key players in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The CAS highlighted the importance of international collaboration while participating in the Latin America Aerospace Defence and Security, LAAD Fair 2025, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil recently.
“In an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment, strategic partnerships remain a critical pillar in building a more agile, innovative, and combat-ready air force. Nigeria and Brazil share a long-standing history of military cooperation, and we are here to strengthen that bond for mutual benefit,” a statement on Sunday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, quoted the CAS as saying during his official visit to Brazil from April 1 – 4.
The statement added that at the event, Air Marshal Abubakar held high-level meetings with the President/CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, Bosco Da Costa Junior, as well as the representative of the Chief of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant General Malta.
Discussions reportedly centred on enhancing the operational and technical capacity of the NAF, particularly in sustaining the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet and other platforms in its inventory. The engagements also focused on fostering collaboration in pilot, technical and logistics training, as well as research and development initiatives.
“In addition to his meetings with Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force, the CAS interacted with several international exhibitors, including Messrs Arsenal, FN Herstal, OGMA, and representatives of the Portuguese Air Force. These interactions underscored the CAS’s commitment to building a modern and capable Air Force that can effectively address Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape.
“Following the LAAD Fair, the CAS visited the Embraer Defence & Security facility at Gavião Peixoto, where the A-29 Super Tucano and KC-390M aircraft are produced, as well as the facility of GESPI in São José dos Campos. During the visits, Air Marshal Abubakar appreciated both companies for their continued partnership with the NAF and urged them to sustain their support in enhancing the Service’s operational efficiency and mission readiness,” Ejodame added.
