NAF, S’Africa Deepen Air Force Collaboration to Enhance Regional Security
The Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, has paid an official visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in strengthening defence cooperation and advancing security across Africa.
The high-level visit provided a platform for both air forces to explore collaboration in areas such as technological innovation, training, logistics, aircraft maintenance, counter-terrorism operations, and operational synergy. The engagement underscores the growing commitment of Nigeria and South Africa to harness shared capabilities for regional peace and stability.
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During his visit, Lieutenant General Mbambo lauded the NAF for its strides in modernising its fleet, enhancing aircraft serviceability, and building indigenous maintenance capacities. He expressed South Africa’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on joint training programmes, counter-terrorism initiatives, and technical exchanges. Mbambo also highlighted the importance of developing homegrown technologies to tackle Africa-specific security challenges, noting that the increasing access of non-state actors to advanced military technologies remains a shared concern for African nations.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IH Etukudo, Chief of Policy and Plans, described the visit as a key step toward deepening intra-African air power cooperation. He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships with other African air forces, emphasising operational effectiveness, innovation, and capacity development as core priorities.
The visit not only strengthens bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa but also reinforces a shared vision for a safer, stronger, and more united Africa through air power diplomacy, counter-terrorism collaboration, and mutual defence cooperation.
By PRNigeria
