The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to enhancing international defence cooperation, following a high-level engagement with key aerospace and defence stakeholders in Brazil.
The visit, part of broader efforts to transform the NAF into a more agile and combat-ready force, included meetings with Brazilian defence leaders and manufacturers, as well as participation in the 2025 Latin America Aerospace Defence and Security (LAAD) Fair, held in Rio de Janeiro.
The engagements were confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
According to the statement, Air Marshal Abubakar’s visit focused on deepening strategic defence relations between Nigeria and Brazil, as well as improving the operational and technical capabilities of the NAF, especially in the face of Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
“Nigeria and Brazil enjoy a long history of military ties, and we aim to deepen this relationship for mutual benefit,” Abubakar said during his visit, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in shaping the future of air power in Nigeria.
As part of his engagements, the CAS met with the President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, Mr Bosco da Costa Junior, and Lieutenant General Malta of the Brazilian Air Force. Discussions revolved around strengthening operational collaboration and expanding support for the A-29 Super Tucano fleet, a key component of Nigeria’s airpower projection in counter-insurgency and close air support operations.
Talks also explored broader areas of cooperation, including pilot and technical training, logistics support, and joint research and development (R&D) initiatives—all aimed at enhancing the long-term capacity of the NAF to respond to diverse national security threats.
The CAS highlighted that Nigeria’s strategic air assets require sustained support from international partners to ensure optimal functionality and mission effectiveness. He added that the evolving nature of regional and global threats necessitates building an air force that is not only well-equipped but also flexible and future-ready.
While at the LAAD Fair, one of the largest defence and security events in Latin America, Air Marshal Abubakar also engaged with leading global defence companies and institutions. These included FN Herstal, OGMA, Arsenal, and the Portuguese Air Force, among others.
The Air Chief used the opportunity to exchange ideas on modern warfare trends, defence technology innovations, and procurement partnerships that align with the NAF’s 2025 strategic vision. His interactions, according to the NAF statement, reflect Nigeria’s drive to position its Air Force as a proactive and adaptable force within Africa’s complex security architecture.
Following the fair, the CAS undertook a guided tour of Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto production facility, where the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and KC-390M military transport aircraft are built. The A-29 Super Tucano is currently deployed in Nigeria’s air operations across several theatres, including the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions.
The CAS also visited GESPI, a Brazilian defence logistics and maintenance firm based in São José dos Campos, and praised the company’s role in supporting the NAF’s fleet maintenance and operational readiness. He called on Embraer and GESPI to continue strengthening their support in areas such as aircraft servicing, technology transfer, and mission-critical logistics.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to sustaining and expanding its partnerships with proven international defence partners like Embraer and GESPI. Their support has been critical to the operational efficiency of our air assets, particularly the A-29 Super Tucano platform,” Abubakar said.
The Chief of the Air Staff further emphasised that the NAF’s strategic objectives for 2025 are anchored on three core pillars—readiness, modernisation, and partnership. He noted that international cooperation remains a cornerstone in building the robust capabilities needed to tackle asymmetric threats such as terrorism, banditry, and transnational crime.
As Nigeria continues to modernise its air fleet and train personnel to meet contemporary challenges, the Air Chief’s visit to Brazil is expected to yield tangible results in the coming months, particularly in areas of aircraft maintenance, tactical training, and capability enhancement.
In conclusion, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed optimism that the renewed engagements with Brazil and other global defence players would further reposition the Nigerian Air Force as a technologically driven and mission-oriented service capable of securing Nigeria’s airspace and contributing to regional peace and stability.
