NAF, Czech Republic Seal New Defence Pact to Bolster Security, Technology Transfer
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Czech Republic have agreed to deepen defence collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, advancing aerospace technology, and boosting capacity-building.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday in Abuja when the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, received the Czech Republic’s Junior Deputy Minister of Defence, Radka Konderlova, and her delegation at NAF Headquarters.
According to a statement by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit underscored the long-standing friendship between the two nations and their shared commitment to peace, stability, and technological advancement in the defence sector.
Air Marshal Abubakar, while welcoming the delegation, described the engagement as timely, noting that the NAF is undergoing a deliberate transformation into “an agile and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.”
The Air Chief commended the Czech Republic’s active role in global peace through the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to regional stability through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He stressed that NAF remains on the frontline of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, as well as maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Through sustained air operations, the Service has significantly degraded the capabilities of violent non-state actors and disrupted their networks,” he said.
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On her part, Deputy Minister Konderlova reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with Nigeria.
She emphasised technology transfer, training, and sustainable partnerships as the backbone of the collaboration.
“Nigeria remains a critical partner for the Czech Republic in Africa, particularly in the shared pursuit of peace and stability,” she stated. “Beyond defence, our partnership also carries immense potential for technology transfer and human capital development.
We are committed to working closely with the Nigerian Air Force to promote solutions that empower local industries and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture in a sustainable way.”
Both parties identified key areas of collaboration, including logistics and sustainment support for the NAF’s L-39ZA fleet in partnership with Aero Vodochody, overhaul and acquisition of Mi-series helicopters, training for aircraft technicians, and the development of unmanned aerial systems.
NAF also expressed interest in strengthening partnerships in cybersecurity, space technology, advanced radar systems, counter-drone capabilities, and signal interception technologies with Czech defence companies such as Avast, RETIA, and ERA.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed optimism about the outcomes of the engagement, noting that the initiatives were “anchored on mutual respect and a common commitment to global peace.”
“I am confident that the initiatives we have outlined will yield lasting security, mutual prosperity, and a stronger partnership that will serve not only our countries but also the African region and the global community,” he said.
By PRNigeria
