The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the South African Air Force (SAAF), have expressed commitment to strengthen defence cooperation and advance regional security.
This strategic commitment was reinforced the Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, paid an official visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday in Abuja.
The high-level visit, according to NAF, provided a platform for both air forces to deepen discussions on key areas of collaboration, including technological innovation, joint training, logistics, aircraft maintenance, counter-terrorism operations, and operational synergy.
“The engagement reflects the mutual resolve of Nigeria and South Africa to harness their shared capabilities toward enhancing peace, stability, and security across the African continent”, NAF stated.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Mbambo commended the NAF for its remarkable progress in modernising its fleet, improving aircraft serviceability, and enhancing indigenous maintenance capacity. He reaffirmed the SAAF’s readiness to partner with the NAF in joint training, counter-terrorism initiatives, and technical exchange programmes.
He further emphasised the need for Africa to drive indigenous technology development to address local challenges and ensure sustainable air power advancement.
The SAAF Chief also noted the growing access of non-state actors to advanced military technology as a shared security concern, urging greater solidarity among African air forces in confronting emerging threats and safeguarding the continent’s 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 milestone in fostering intra-African air power cooperation.
He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with friendly air forces across the continent—prioritising operational effectiveness, innovation, and capacity development.
The visit not only deepens bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa but also reinforces a shared vision of a safer, stronger, and more united Africa through air power diplomacy, counter-terrorism collaboration, and mutual defence cooperation.
