The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to global defence partnerships during a weeklong working visit to the People’s Republic of China from 24 to 30 August 2025.
During the visit, the CAS inspected key aerospace facilities and engaged with manufacturers.
A statement by the NAF spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame said the delegation engaged with top aviation and defence companies across several Chinese cities, underscoring NAF’s drive to enhance operational effectiveness through international collaboration.
He said the delegation met with the leadership of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) in Beijing on 25th August, 2025.
According to him, the CAS remarked: “Our discussions with CATIC were focused on sustaining the serviceability of platforms already in our fleet. We reached renewed agreements on timely spare parts supply, stronger after-sales support, and expanded training opportunities for our personnel. This is a major boost to our operational readiness.”
He said the delegation was received at Haerbin Aircraft Company on 26th August, 2025, by the Vice President, Mr. Wang Shilei.
The company, which specialises in the production of the medium-lift Z-20 utility helicopter for the Chinese Army, Navy and Air Force, made a detailed presentation on the platform’s capabilities and features.
“The NAF team toured the Z-20 helicopter and expressed interest in conducting further technical investigations,”.
He noted that Mr. Shilei, in turn, welcomed NAF’s engagement and expressed optimism for a deeper partnership between China and Nigeria.
From Haerbin, he said the delegation proceeded to Chengdu, where they visited the JF-17 Aircraft Manufacturing Installation where the Chief Designer of the facility delivered a comprehensive briefing covering the JF-17B, JF-17 Block III, and the key differences between the JF-17B and NAF’s JF-17II aircraft.
“The NAF team inspected the JF-17B prototype at the assembly plant, assessed its cockpit layout, and also undertook simulated flights on the JF-17C simulator for practical evaluation,” he said.
According to the statement, the CAS speaking after inspecting production lines at Haerbin Aircraft Company and Chengdu Aircraft Company stated: “What we have seen here is a demonstration of China’s advanced aerospace technology. For us in the Nigerian Air Force, these visits are about exploring avenues for technology transfer and industrial cooperation that will directly impact our fleet modernisation and long-term self-reliance.”
At the AVIC Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Company, the CAS highlighted the growing role of drones in modern air warfare.
He said, “Unmanned systems are increasingly defining the future of air operations. Our engagement here is critical to improving our Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities, which are essential for counterterrorism and internal security operations back home.”
