The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic defence cooperation with the Czech Republic as part of efforts to enhance national security and regional stability.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, gave the assurance yesterday, August 19, 2025, while receiving the Junior Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, Radka Konderlová, and her delegation at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
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 praised the Czech Republic’s contributions to global peace through NATO while highlighting Nigeria’s pivotal role in stabilising the West African region under ECOWAS.
“This engagement could not have come at a more auspicious time,” the CAS said, stressing that the NAF is undergoing a deliberate transformation to become an agile and resilient force capable of meeting diverse national security demands.
He outlined the Air Force’s efforts in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, as well as its contributions to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. According to him, NAF’s sustained air operations have significantly weakened violent non-state actors and disrupted their networks.
On her part, Konderlová reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s readiness to broaden defence cooperation with Nigeria, describing the country as “one of the Czech Republic’s biggest partners in Africa.” She emphasized the importance of technology transfer, sustainable capacity-building, and human capital development, noting that the partnership holds strong potential beyond defence, particularly in advancing local industries and strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Both sides identified key areas of collaboration, including logistics support for the NAF’s L-39ZA fleet, overhaul and acquisition of Mi-series helicopters, technician training, and advancements in aerospace engineering, avionics, and unmanned aerial systems.
Other areas of interest include cybersecurity, space technology, radar systems, counter-drone measures, and signal interception, with opportunities for collaboration with Czech firms such as Avast, RETIA, and ERA.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed optimism that the partnership would yield long-term benefits for both countries. “I am confident that the initiatives we have outlined, anchored on mutual respect and a common commitment to global peace, will deliver lasting security, prosperity, and a stronger partnership that serves not only our nations but also Africa and the wider international community,” he said.
