Abuja — The Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, on 27 October 2025, paid an official visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja, in a move that underscores the deepening defence cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
The high-level visit focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as technological innovation, training, logistics, aircraft maintenance, counter-terrorism operations, and operational synergy. It also reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to promoting peace, stability, and security across the African continent.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Mbambo commended the Nigerian Air Force for its significant strides in modernising its fleet, improving aircraft serviceability, and strengthening indigenous maintenance capacity.
He expressed the SAAF’s readiness to deepen partnership with the NAF through joint training programmes, counter-terrorism initiatives, and technical exchanges, while stressing the importance of advancing indigenous technology development to address Africa’s unique security challenges.
“The increasing access of non-state actors to advanced military technology poses a common challenge to all nations,” Mbambo said. “It is therefore essential for African air forces to strengthen solidarity and cooperation in confronting these evolving security threats and safeguarding our collective defence interests.”
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal I. H. Etukudo, described the visit as a significant step toward strengthening intra-African air power cooperation.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with friendly air forces across the continent, while prioritising operational effectiveness, innovation, and capacity development.
“This engagement marks another milestone in the NAF’s drive to build stronger institutional relationships that enhance regional security architecture,” Etukudo noted.
The visit, which reflects the growing bond between the Nigerian and South African air forces, is expected to open new avenues for collaboration in addressing emerging security threats and promoting sustainable air power development in Africa.
, Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, on 27 October 2025, paid an official visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja, in a move that underscores the deepening defence cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.){kind=link}