The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar , has said all-important issue of partnership in aerospace innovation to sustain our air power capabilities, to protect and advance our Defence and Security interests would form the crux of our discussions in the Third African Air Forces Forum.
Henoted this in Abuja at the ongoing 3rd Africa Air Force Forum returns on the 23 – 25 May 2024 in Nigeria, hosted by the Nigerian Air Force said this opportunity to forge stronger bonds and develop partnerships that will not only enhance our individual air forces but will also contribute to a safer and more prosperous Africa.
He said by working together, we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and build a future where peace and security are the cornerstones of our continent.
He said the African Air Forces Forum is a regional platform for advancing air force capabilities and building pillars of bilateral and multilateral partnerships amongst the air forces of African countries.
According to him, the Forum offers a unique opportunity for air forces to showcase their technological innovations that contribute to enhance Africa’s aerial defence and security capabilities.
He explained that this year’s theme which is : “Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security” was carefully coined to reflect a critical aspect of our collective efforts in securing our respective countries and by extension, the African Continent.
“Judging by the selected topics for discussion and the impressive array of experts assembled here as resource persons, I am highly optimistic that this year’s conference and exhibition will be both engaging and illuminating.
” It promises to facilitate the cross-fertilization of ideas and the introduction of the latest aerospace and defence systems and technologies, all in support of our collective efforts to provide enduring solutions to Africa’s security challenges.
“In addition to high-level discussions addressing pressing challenges in the sector through keynote speeches, technical presentations, and panel discussions, the event will feature an international exhibition and live demonstrations showcasing the latest materials, systems, and technologies in the aerospace and defence sector,” he said.
The edition of the Forum coincides with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 60th anniversary celebrations and will honor its history and accomplishments.
This milestone stands as a tribute to the commitment of the air force in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, ensuring national security, and contributing to peacekeeping missions both regionally and globally. The forum will be marked by a series of events, including a conference and exhibition, parades, air shows and ceremonial fly-pasts.
