The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has restated its commitment to deepening strategic defence cooperation with the Czech Republic as part of ongoing efforts to enhance national security and promote regional stability. This assurance was given, by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during a courtesy visit by the Junior Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, Radka Konderlova, and her delegation to NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Air Marshal Abubakar described the visit as a reflection of the enduring friendship between both nations and their shared pursuit of peace, stability, and the advancement of aerospace and defence capabilities. He commended the Czech Republic for its contributions to global peace through NATO while highlighting Nigeria’s own pivotal role in promoting regional security under ECOWAS.
According to the CAS, “This engagement comes at a most timely moment, as the Nigerian Air Force continues its transformation into an agile, resilient force capable of meeting the nation’s evolving security needs across all operational theatres.”
He noted NAF’s frontline role in combating terrorism, insurgency, and violent extremism in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, as well as its contributions in securing the Gulf of Guinea through maritime surveillance and counter-piracy operations. These, he said, underscore Nigeria’s enduring commitment to both continental and global security.
In her remarks, Ms. Konderlova reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s readiness to expand its defence cooperation with Nigeria. She described air defence as the backbone of national security, noting that “Nigeria remains one of the Czech Republic’s most important partners in Africa.” She emphasized the value of technology transfer, sustainable capacity-building, and the empowerment of local industries as central to their defence partnership.
Both parties identified priority areas for future collaboration, including logistics support for the NAF’s L-39ZA fleet through Aero Vodochody, overhaul and acquisition of Mi-series helicopters, advanced training for aircraft technicians, as well as joint initiatives in aerospace engineering, avionics, and unmanned aerial systems. Additional areas of interest include cybersecurity, space technology, radar systems, counter-drone capabilities, and signal interception, with opportunities for collaboration with leading Czech firms such as Avast, RETIA, and ERA.
Concluding the engagement, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would deliver enduring benefits to both countries. “I am confident that the initiatives we have outlined, anchored on mutual respect and a shared commitment to global peace, will foster lasting security, prosperity, and a stronger partnership that will serve not only Nigeria and the Czech Republic but also the wider African region and the global community,” he said.
