Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), believes that establishing strategic alliances with other Air Forces will pave the road to a long-term and comprehensive solution to pilot training challenges.
According to NAN, Abubakar stated this when he met with the Commander of the Czech Air Force, Maj.-Gen. Petr Cepelka, during the ongoing Future Air Force 2023 Conference in Praque, Czech Republic.
He stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was ready to strengthen its strategic collaboration with the Czech Air Force in areas such as technological transfer, capacity building, and research and development.
According to him, the agreement will improve NAF maintenance personnel competency so that they can perform some significant repair work in-country, minimizing aircraft downtime and enhancing air operations.
Abubakar sought the Czech Air Force’s help and collaboration in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and pilot training.
He stated that the NAF has received more help from the Czech air force since the initial acquisition of the L-39 aircraft in 1986, and that the NAF has maintained an active relationship with the Czech air force.
According to him, the NAF has previously partnered with the Czech Air Force on pilot trainings on the L-39Z aircraft simulator, altitude chamber, and spatial disorientation training for multiple NAF pilots across several platforms, which has benefited the NAF’s fighting capabilities.
Abubakar presented a presentation titled “Pilot Training in the Nigerian Air Force – An Assessment” at the conference.
He stated that the development and application of air power capabilities was becoming increasingly important in the dynamic security environment, where threats came from both state and non-state actors.
The CAS also met with representatives from Aero Vodochody, the Original Equipment Manufacturers of the NAF L-39Z aircraft, to discuss concerns such as the scheduling and timing of overhauls and avionics upgrades for three NAF L-39Z aircraft.
In response, the Czech Chief of Air Staff commended Air Marshal Abubakar for upholding the two air forces’ long history of mutual cooperation.