Nigerian Air Force Launches R&D Retreat to Boost Indigenous Technology for National Defence
By Matthew Eloyi
In a bold move to advance indigenous technology in national defence, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) kicked off its 2024 Research and Development (R&D) Retreat on November 5 at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement signed by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Olusola F Akinboyewa on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the two-day retreat, themed “Exploring Indigenous Technology and Innovation Towards Driving NAF Transformation,” brought together esteemed experts and stakeholders to push forward homegrown innovations that strengthen NAF’s defence capabilities.
Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, underscored the central role of R&D in reducing dependence on foreign technology.
He highlighted NAF’s preparations to add 50 new aircraft to its fleet between 2024 and 2026, making indigenous aircraft manufacturing and maintenance crucial for sustaining operational effectiveness.
“This retreat provides a vital platform for experts to generate ideas that will transform NAF’s R&D efforts from initial concepts to tangible, operational outcomes,” he said.
Strategic partnerships are pivotal in this initiative, with key collaborations underway with UAVision of Portugal and Serbia’s Zenith Prom to support technology transfer and local production.
Among recent advancements, Abubakar pointed to the TSAIGUMI UAV project and the Nigerian Air Force Integrated Management System (NAFIMS), a digital platform designed to streamline decision-making.
Abubakar extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong support in transforming NAF into an agile, resilient force that meets Nigeria’s security needs across all operational environments.
In his welcome remarks, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, commended the progress achieved since NAF’s last R&D retreat in 2015, including strides in drone technology, weapons development, and fabrication of spare parts.
“This retreat offers an invaluable opportunity to generate fresh ideas and innovative approaches that prioritise R&D, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s vision for transforming the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
The event featured six high-impact R&D projects displayed for participants, including industry experts who provided constructive feedback on transitioning these innovations from concept to operational use and potential commercialization.
