CAS Outlines Vision to Enhance Nigerian Air Force’s Capabilities for Future Warfare
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has revealed his strategic vision aimed at transforming the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) into a highly adaptable and resilient force, effectively addressing the nation’s airpower needs for security across various operational scenarios.
Emphasizing the importance of this approach, the CAS underscored that military forces unprepared for future challenges are destined to react rather than proactively secure national interests.
The CAS articulated these principles during his guest lecture at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State, on Thursday.
His lecture titled, “The Future of Air Warfare in the Nigerian Air Force – My Command Philosophy,” explored the factors shaping future air warfare, including internal and external threats, economic conditions, and the NAF’s air power capabilities.
In elucidating the significance of his command philosophy for future warfare, the CAS outlined key components and their implications for the NAF. Under the first component, “Optimizing Force Structure and Establishment for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness,” Air Marshal Abubakar detailed efforts to acquire more platforms, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes.
Additionally, he highlighted plans to replace medium and heavy airlift capabilities to enhance mobility and discussed the upcoming capabilities-based assessment aimed at improving operational effectiveness.
The second key component, “Deliberate Training and Mission-Oriented Force Development,” focuses on human capacity development tailored to address current and future NAF capability gaps. Approximately 1,476 personnel are currently enrolled in domestic and international training programs, with a strong emphasis on merit-based selections.
Read Also: Stop At Nothing In Eliminating Terrorists – CAS Orders Air Component Commanders
The third component, “Proactive Logistics Support and Strong Maintenance Culture,” involves implementing a comprehensive aircraft maintenance planning system to ensure timely combat readiness, enabling the NAF to meet national security objectives.
Addressing the fourth key component, “Prioritizing Research and Development Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology, Strategic Partnerships, and Lessons Learned,” the CAS highlighted the NAF’s progress in domestic manufacturing through research and development initiatives and the utilization of advanced technologies to support counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Finally, the fifth component, “Maintaining a Highly Motivated Force by Enhancing Welfare and Infrastructural Renewal,” underscores the importance of creating an enabling environment for NAF personnel to achieve their individual and organizational objectives. Initiatives include addressing accommodation shortages, issuing new uniforms and accoutrements annually, and ensuring timely payments of entitlements to enhance psychological readiness for present and future air warfare.
In conclusion, Air Marshal Abubakar acknowledged that persisting challenges, such as economic limitations, technological constraints, and limited strategic partnerships, could hinder the NAF’s combat readiness for future air warfare. Nonetheless, he emphasized the NAF’s commitment to overcoming these challenges and building readiness for both current and future military engagements.
