The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to modernisation, self-reliance and strategic global partnerships during an official visit to the Czech Republic from February 23 to 24, 2026.
The visit, which forms part of the CAS’s deliberate efforts to leverage international collaboration, focused on enhancing training, sustainment and operational capability development in line with contemporary security realities. It also reflects the NAF’s growing profile as a forward-looking and professionally adaptive air force.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS noted that global partnerships remain central to strengthening the service’s capacity to effectively respond to emerging security challenges.
During a visit to Aero Vodochody Aerospace, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the company and the NAF, particularly in the overhaul and upgrade of the L-39ZA Albatros jet aircraft. He said the collaboration has continued to enhance pilot training and operational proficiency within the Air Force.
He expressed appreciation for the company’s technical support and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in the areas of spares provision, technical expertise and training support.
“Our partnership is anchored not only on platforms but on building institutional capacity and technical competence that will endure,” he said.
Discussions also centred on the NAF’s structured transition from the legacy L-39ZA aircraft to the more advanced L-39 Skyfox, a modern jet trainer and light attack platform designed to meet evolving air operational demands.
During a guided tour of the production facility, the CAS underscored the need to align training systems with modern warfare dynamics while ensuring seamless continuity in pilot development. He stressed that modernisation must be carefully phased to guarantee sustained training output and operational readiness throughout the transition.
Air Marshal Aneke also held high-level talks with the Czech Air Force, where both sides explored expanded cooperation in training, simulator capacity development and logistics collaboration across rotary- and fixed-wing operations.
The engagements, according to the statement, built on existing professional ties and were marked by mutual understanding and a shared commitment to capability enhancement.
The Commander of the Czech Air Force described the interaction as a meaningful step towards deepening military cooperation and advancing shared professional standards.
The CAS further met with defence export stakeholders, gaining insights into advanced aviation simulators, parachute training systems, unmanned aerial solutions and other emerging technologies relevant to modern air power.
He emphasised that contemporary defence partnerships must go beyond acquisition to include knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
“The future of air power lies in innovation, local capacity development and strategic cooperation. We are focused on partnerships that strengthen our ability to sustain, adapt and innovate,” he stated.
The visit is expected to provide strategic momentum towards achieving the CAS Command Philosophy of leveraging innovation, emerging technologies and international partnerships to drive sustainable capability development.
Through purposeful defence diplomacy and structured modernisation, the Nigerian Air Force continues to position itself as a resilient, mission-focused and globally engaged institution committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and contributing responsibly to regional and international security.
