By Joy Odor
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding defence collaboration with the Czech Republic as both countries seek stronger partnerships in security, technology, and national development.
The assurance was given by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during a courtesy visit by the Czech Republic’s Junior Deputy Minister of Defence, Radka Konderlova, and her delegation at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief described the visit as a reflection of the longstanding friendship between both nations and their shared commitment to peace and stability.
Air Marshal Abubakar commended the Czech Republic’s role in promoting global peace through NATO while highlighting Nigeria’s leadership in regional security under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He noted that the partnership comes at a critical time, as the NAF continues its transformation into an agile and resilient force to meet the airpower demands of national security.
He outlined NAF’s contributions in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, as well as maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that the Service remains at the forefront of efforts to safeguard Nigeria and the wider region.
In her remarks, Konderlova reaffirmed Nigeria’s importance as the Czech Republic’s leading defence partner in Africa, describing air defence as the “backbone of national security.”
She emphasized the Czech Republic’s commitment to technology transfer, sustainable capacity-building, and human capital development.
“Nigeria remains a critical partner for the Czech Republic in Africa, particularly in the shared pursuit of peace and stability,” she said.
“Our collaboration goes beyond defence, extending to technology transfer, local industry empowerment, and training cooperation that will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture in a sustainable way.”
Both sides identified priority areas for cooperation, including logistics and sustainment support for NAF’s L-39ZA fleet with Aero Vodochody, acquisition and overhaul of Mi-series helicopters, technician training, and advancements in aerospace engineering, avionics, and unmanned aerial systems.
NAF also expressed interest in cybersecurity, space technology, advanced radar systems, counter-drone solutions, and signal interception technologies in partnership with Czech firms such as Avast, RETIA, and ERA.
Concluding the talks, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed optimism that the initiatives will deliver lasting benefits.
“Anchored on mutual respect and a shared commitment to global peace, these collaborations will not only strengthen our armed forces but also promote regional stability, mutual prosperity, and enduring friendship between our two nations,” he said.
