By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic defence cooperation with the Czech Republic as part of efforts to boost national security and promote regional stability.
The statement was issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. The assurance was given on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, when he received the Junior Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, Radka Konderlová, and her delegation at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Air Marshal Abubakar described the visit as a reflection of the long-standing friendship between both nations and their shared commitment to peace, stability, and the advancement of aerospace and defence capabilities.
He commended the Czech Republic for its active role in global peace through the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), while highlighting Nigeria’s contributions to regional stability under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“This engagement could not have come at a more auspicious time, as the Nigerian Air Force continues its deliberate transformation into an agile and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments,” he said.
The CAS underscored NAF’s frontline role in countering terrorism, insurgency, and violent extremism across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, noting that sustained air operations have significantly degraded the capabilities of violent non-state actors.
He also pointed to NAF’s contributions in the maritime domain, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure and countering piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that such engagements reinforce Nigeria’s enduring commitment to collective security in Africa and beyond.
On her part, the Czech Junior Deputy Minister of Defence reaffirmed her country’s readiness to broaden defence cooperation with Nigeria. She emphasized that air defence remains the backbone of national security, describing Nigeria as one of Czech Republic’s biggest partners in Africa.
“Nigeria remains a critical partner for the Czech Republic in Africa, particularly in the shared pursuit of peace and stability. Beyond defence, our partnership also carries immense potential for technology transfer and human capital development,” Konderlová said.
She added that her country is committed to working closely with NAF to advance aerospace technologies, strengthen training cooperation, and support solutions that empower local industries.Both parties identified key areas of collaboration, including logistics and sustainment support for NAF’s L-39ZA fleet in partnership with Aero Vodochody, overhaul and acquisition of Mi-series helicopters, capacity-building for aircraft technicians, as well as advancements in aerospace engineering, avionics, and unmanned aerial systems.
Other areas of interest include cybersecurity, space technology, advanced radar systems, counter-drone capabilities, and signal interception technologies, with potential partnerships involving Czech companies such as Avast, RETIA, and ERA.
In conclusion, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed optimism that the strategic engagement would yield enduring benefits for both nations.
“I am confident that the initiatives we have outlined, anchored on mutual respect and a common commitment to global peace, will yield lasting security, mutual prosperity, and a stronger partnership that will serve not only our countries but also the entire African region and the global community,” he affirmed.
admin