The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is intensifying its global defence engagement strategy, as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deploying defence diplomacy as a crucial instrument for bolstering national security and enhancing airpower.
Speaking during a strategic engagement with NAF Defence Attachés and Advisers—held in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)—Air Marshal Aneke underscored the indispensable role of Defence Attachés in advancing Nigeria’s military interests abroad. He emphasized that their networks and partnerships remain vital in accessing cutting-edge technologies, strengthening intelligence systems, and deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
According to the CAS, the rapidly evolving security environment requires smarter, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled approaches, aligning with his vision for a proactive, adaptive, and globally connected Air Force. He urged the Defence Attachés to maximize opportunities within their host nations by forging stronger ties with defence industries, research institutions, security partners, and global operational stakeholders.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that these collaborations will support NAF’s efforts in improving operational readiness, precision strike capabilities, logistics frameworks, advanced training, and maintenance support systems. Such gains, he said, are crucial to sustaining ongoing counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and air interdiction operations, while ensuring more effective protection of national infrastructure and the safety of civilian populations.
The forum also allowed Defence Attachés to share perspectives on emerging global threats, defence innovations, and geopolitical trends with implications for Nigeria’s security landscape. The CAS reiterated that defence diplomacy remains a strategic asset for advancing national security objectives, fostering development, and strengthening Nigeria’s influence within regional and international defence circles.
He charged the Attachés to remain exemplary ambassadors of the Nigerian Air Force, committed to cultivating partnerships that align with ongoing reforms and modernization efforts aimed at transforming the Service’s airpower capabilities.
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