In order to build the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for future air warfare, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has stated that his command philosophy, “To transform the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments,” is essential.
The CAS made the statements, according to NAF spokesman Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, during his paper presentation as a guest lecturer at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State, on Thursday.
According to the press release, the CAS also stated that any military forces who do not plan for the likely future will always be reactive rather than proactive in their approach to national security challenges.
Speaking on the topic of “The Future of Air Warfare in the Nigerian Air Force – My Command Philosophy,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated that the nature of future air warfare would be determined by a number of factors, including internal and external threats to national security, national economic fortune, and air power capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.
The CAS outlined the major enablers of his command philosophy and how they would effect the Service in relation to NAF participation in future conflict.
Air Marshal Abubakar stated in his first key enabler, “Optimising force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness,” that the NAF under his administration is acquiring more platforms, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for real-time Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and precision strikes, as well as replacing its medium and heavy airlift capabilities for more effective and rapid mobility.
He also stated that work were nearing completion to perform the NAF’s first-ever capabilities-based assessment, which would improve the Service’s operational effectiveness in current and future air combat.
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The CAS stated that human capacity development in the NAF under his watch is consciously tailored towards achieving assigned tasks and bridging current and future gaps in NAF capabilities.
He further stated that approximately 1,476 soldiers are now engaged in various training programmes, both domestically and overseas, to fulfil the NAF’s current and future air combat needs.
He also stated unequivocally, “All selections for course will be merit-based to ensure that only the most qualified are selected to give the NAF value for money.”
The CAS stated that the NAF is implementing a holistic aircraft maintenance planning system, which entails that all spares and consumables requirements for future aircraft inspections for the next four quarters are compiled in advance and processed with immediate effect, while discussing the relevance of the third key enabler on, “Proactive logistics support and strong maintenance culture.”
This, he said, will invariably ensure that aircraft are ready for fast battle against adversaries in order to satisfy national security objectives.
Concerning the fourth key enabler, which focuses on “prioritising research and development leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and lessons learned,” the CAS stated that the NAF was making significant progress towards domestic manufacturing of required capabilities through R&D activities as well as the use of cutting-edge technologies.
He stated that “the NAF has been manufacturing various military equipment to support counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations through the Air Force Research and Development Centre.”
Concerning the final key enabler, “Maintaining a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal,” the CAS maintained that in order for NAF personnel to achieve personal and organisational goals, the Service, he said, has a role to play in providing an enabling environment.
According to him, this reasoning led to his decision to establish a committee of officers to assess the NAF’s accommodation shortfall in order to address the continuing problem of lodging shortage.
He went on to say that new uniforms and accoutrements would be supplied to all workers on an annual basis, just as all entitlement payments are now made on time and without delay.
According to the CAS, these initiatives would put NAF members in the correct psychological state for air warfare now and in the future.
In conclusion, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that if the difficulties to the NAF’s operational performance persist, they may jeopardise its combat preparedness for future air warfare.
According to him, the most significant of these obstacles are diminishing economic fortunes, a low technological base, and an insufficient strategic partnership.
He did, however, say that it was still the Service’s responsibility to overcome these obstacles and develop the NAF’s combat preparedness for both present and future battles.