The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is advancing its national defence initiatives by engaging in a Technology transfer partnership with Serbia’s Messrs Zenith Prom. Currently, discussions are progressing well, centring on the procurement of 57mm rocket technology. This alliance is viewed as an essential development for Nigeria, facilitating the domestic production of sophisticated rocket systems, thereby enhancing its armament capabilities and bolstering national security. Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), announced this during a seminar organised by the Defence and Services Transformation and Innovation teams of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in Abuja.
Hosted by the NAF, the gathering emphasised the crucial role of innovation in tackling Nigeria’s changing Security issues. Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s dedication to fostering local military manufacturing, aiming to boost Nigeria’s independence in defence production. Group Captain Kabiru Ali, who serves as the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, announced that the partnership with Zenith Prom is anticipated to enhance the NAF’s technological prowess, facilitating the domestic Manufacturing of sophisticated armaments.
Advanced weaponry will help the nation prepare for potential challenges.
This procurement of 57mm rocket technology is set to enhance the nation’s defence capabilities, outfitting the NAF with advanced weaponry that will more effectively prepare Nigeria for potential security challenges ahead. The initiatives to obtain rocket technology from Serbia represent merely one facet of the NAF’s larger drive for independence in defense manufacturing. Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the NAF is partnering with UA Vision, a defence tech firm from Portugal, to completely bring the Tsaigumi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) into full operation in Nigeria.
Also, the collaboration on this UAV initiative is anticipated to boost the nation’s surveillance and reconnaissance abilities, leading to improved oversight of the airspace and bolstering overall national safety. Air Marshal Abubakar outlined additional ongoing Research and Development (R&D) projects aimed at expanding the NAF’s operational capabilities. These projects include the Ultrasonic Solar Bird Scare Cannon Device, which is designed to protect Rapid Response Operation Geo-Coordination Device and vital installations, which will improve field communication and coordination during operations.
Nigeria’s autonomy in defence manufacturing will be enhanced.
These advancements demonstrate the NAF’s dedication to maintaining a modern and adaptive defence Infrastructure in Nigeria that can effectively address the intricate security challenges of the present day. Alongside these technological innovations, the NAF is actively engaged in numerous homegrown initiatives focused on enhancing the operational preparedness of its forces. A notable project is the Tactical Mobile Combat Smart Helmet, a sophisticated piece of equipment designed to boost soldiers’ situational awareness during combat missions. This helmet integrates state-of-the-art technology, empowering military members to react more efficiently to potential threats as they arise.
In addition, the NAF is enhancing its initiatives to manufacture General-Purpose machine gun ammunition links and 250kg bomb impact fuses domestically. This local production of essential military materials forms a key aspect of the NAF’s plan to decrease reliance on external sources, ultimately strengthening the nation’s autonomy in defence manufacturing. The NAF Transformation and Innovation Branch, led by Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, spearheads efforts to upgrade the Nigerian Air Force’s operational efficiency. These initiatives are strongly linked to the overarching goals of the Nigerian Air Force.
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During his speech at the seminar, Air Vice Marshal Amesinlola emphasised the branch’s dedication to realising the Chief of Air Staff’s goal of evolving the NAF into a nimble, flexible force equipped to tackle modern security issues. Amesinlola emphasised a number of important projects underway within the Transformation and Innovation Branch. These initiatives include introducing digital tools to improve operational Productivity and creating homegrown military equipment to bolster Nigeria’s defense strength. By promoting an innovative mindset throughout every tier of the NAF, the Transformation and Innovation Branch guarantees that the Air Force stays ahead in both technology and operational progress.