NAF Eyes Z-20 Helicopters, JF-17 Upgrades in Strategic Engagements with Chinese Firms
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening defence partnerships with China, with a particular focus on helicopter acquisitions and fighter jet upgrades.
He disclosed this during a week-long working visit to the People’s Republic of China from 24 to 30 August 2025.
Leading a high-powered Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation, the CAS visited top aerospace and defence companies in Beijing, Haerbin, Chengdu, and other cities, where discussions centered on fleet sustainment, technology transfer, and expanded cooperation to bolster Nigeria’s operational readiness.
According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, a key engagement took place with the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) in Beijing.
Air Marshal Abubakar described the talks as “highly productive,” noting that agreements were reached on timely spare parts supply, stronger after-sales support, and expanded training opportunities for NAF personnel. “This is a major boost to our operational readiness,” he stressed.
At Haerbin Aircraft Company, the delegation inspected the medium-lift Z-20 utility helicopter, which serves the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NAF team was given a technical briefing on the platform’s features and toured its production line. The CAS confirmed Nigeria’s interest in conducting further technical assessments of the Z-20 for potential induction into the Air Force’s fleet.
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The visit also extended to Chengdu, where the NAF delegation toured the JF-17 Aircraft Manufacturing Installation. Engineers and designers presented the JF-17B and JF-17 Block III variants, highlighting their key differences from Nigeria’s existing JF-17II aircraft.
The team assessed the cockpit layout of the JF-17B prototype and conducted simulator flights on the JF-17C to evaluate its operational potential.
Speaking after the visits, Air Marshal Abubakar said: “What we have seen here is a demonstration of China’s advanced aerospace technology. For us in the Nigerian Air Force, these visits are about exploring avenues for technology transfer and industrial cooperation that will directly impact our fleet modernisation and long-term self-reliance.”
The delegation also visited the AVIC Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Company, where discussions focused on expanding Nigeria’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through drones and unmanned platforms. The CAS noted that unmanned systems are increasingly defining the future of air warfare and underscored their importance in counterterrorism and internal security operations.
Reflecting on the overall significance of the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar remarked: “These engagements align with my vision of building an agile and resilient Air Force. By deepening our partnerships with trusted global players, we are ensuring improved fleet availability, enhanced maintenance support, and mission readiness to meet Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.”
Ejodame said the working visit consolidated Nigeria’s defence diplomacy in Asia, reaffirmed the NAF’s position as a proactive partner in global security cooperation while paving the way for strategic fleet upgrades and new acquisitions.
By PRNigeria
