61 years on, Nigerian Air Force soars with innovation, air power dominance — CAS
By: Zagazola Makama
As the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) marks its 61st anniversary, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the service has grown from a tactical transport unit into a robust air power force with strategic reach and global recognition.
Speaking at a media parley held as part of the week-long anniversary celebrations in Abuja, the Air Chief took time to reflect on the journey of the NAF since its establishment in 1964, charting its evolution, milestones, and aspirations.
“From a modest tactical unit created to support troop transport, the Nigerian Air Force has transformed into a modern, capable, and resilient fighting force one capable of delivering strategic effects well beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Abubakar said.
According to him, the Air Force has reasons to celebrate, having evolved into the third-largest Air Force in Africa, and is steadily climbing the ladder to claim the second, or even first position, due to its expanding operational capacity, fleet strength, and human capital.
Abubakar clarified that despite widespread assumptions, NAF’s engagements in regions such as the South-East and South-South are not counterterrorism operations, but internal security support missions.
“In those regions, we’re essentially dealing with internal threats adversaries from within. That’s why media reportage must be balanced, objective, and accurate,” he said, while thanking journalists for their ongoing support.
In terms of air operations, the Air Chief revealed that NAF conducted over 6,000 missions across Nigeria’s various theatres between late 2023 and early 2024, logging over 10,500 flight hours and executing close to 7,000 sorties.
These missions included armed reconnaissance, interdiction, intelligence, surveillance, close air support, tactical air raids, and more all aimed at restoring peace and neutralizing security threats across the country.
“We have eliminated a significant number of terrorist leaders and fighters, thanks to our three pronged operational strategy: leadership decapitation, logistics triangulation, and denial of force enablers,” he said.
While declining to give specific figures, Abubakar said the outcomes of these missions were verified through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations and credible human intelligence.
Beyond kinetic operations, the Nigerian Air Force has also played a key role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets, particularly in the Niger Delta region where crude oil theft has cost the nation billions of dollars.
“After escalating air operations in 2023, we recorded significant improvement. Oil production rose from 1.5 million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels, and pipeline uptime reached over 90 per cent,” Abubakar said.
This, he said, was a major boost to national revenue and energy security and shows how NAF operations directly support Nigeria’s economic stability.
Upon assuming office as the 22nd Chief of Air Staff, Abubakar said he carried out a comprehensive environmental scan of NAF operations, logistics, administration, and other areas to identify gaps and potentials.
“We discovered capability deficiencies and structural gaps that needed attention if we are to face current and future threats effectively,” he said. The outcome of that assessment led to the formulation of a command philosophy aimed at transforming the NAF into “an agile, resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.”
To drive this vision, the Air Chief introduced five key enablers, which serve as focal points for development and growth. These include: Optimizing force structure and establishment, deliberate training and mission-oriented force development, enhanced operational effectiveness, robust logistics support and maintenance systems, strategic artnerships and innovation
To commemorate the 61st anniversary, the NAF is also hosting the 4th Association of African Air Chiefs Conference, a strategic event that brings together Air Chiefs from across the continent to collaborate and share ideas.
“As the giant of Africa, Nigeria is expected to lead. This forum allows us to leverage each other’s strengths and confront shared security threats with unity and purpose,” he said.
The Air Chief also highlighted major achievements in research and development (R&D), especially through the upgraded Air Force Research and Development Institute.
We now have six patented products, some already deployed in the field. We’re making progress toward mass production and commercialization,” he noted.
He cited the Sebu Bifurevi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which was designed and test-flown by NAF engineers and is expected to become fully operational after final avionics integration in partnership with a Portuguese firm.
In terms of armament production, Abubakar disclosed that NAF has entered a technology transfer agreement with a Slovakian firm to locally produce C-5 57mm rockets, marking a critical step toward self-reliance in weapons systems. The technology is transferable to other calibres like 7mm or 9mm. This is a game-changer for our defense industry,” he said.
Abubakar emphasized that personnel welfare remains central to the NAF’s operational success, noting improvements in housing, uniforms, and logistics, along with the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force Health Bank. The Health Bank supports savings, investment, and provides low-interest loans to personnel and their families. This is already yielding positive results in boosting morale and welfare,” he said.
As the Nigerian Air Force turns 61, its strides in operations, innovation, regional collaboration, and human development signal a force not only growing in strength, but also maturing in strategy.
Looking at where we are coming from, and where we are today, we have every reason to be proud and more importantly, to remain focused on the future,” the Air Chief concluded.
