CAS Orders Revival Of NAF Surveillance Aircraft Grounded For 7 Years

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has directed the resuscitation of the Nigerian Air Force Surveillance Aircraft (NAFSA) Eagle Project which was suspended seven years ago.

AM Abubakar disclosed this on Thursday at the 3rd quarter 2025 Defence Headquarters and Services Transformation Seminar with the theme: “Galvanising the Will to Fight: Issues and Transformative Solutions for the Armed Forces of Nigeria”.

“This aircraft will be a light multi-role utility 8-seater aircraft and on completion would, among other things, strategically enhance NAF self-reliance in aerospace technology while domesticating innovations and technology advancement in the aviation industry,” he said.

The Air Chief called on personnel to remain resolute in their commitment to defend the territorial integrity of the country and ensure security of lives and property.

He also stressed the need to sustain the tempo, ability and will of personnel to fight as Government continues to provide modern equipment and other resources to prosecute the war against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of violent crimes in the Country.

“While the best technology could be procured and deployed, as well as improved welfare services provided, intangible assets like unit and personnel doggedness, loyalty and the will to fight the adversary until victory is attained must be guarded at all cost from being degraded,” Abubakar said.

The Air Chief reiterated that proper preparation for battle was the most effective way to care for soldiers, strengthen their will and doggedness in battle and prevent unnecessary casualties.

“The will to fight is a complex and critical factor that often determines success or failure in war. It encompasses psychological resilience, physical capability, ideological conviction and motivation to make sacrifices. It also goes beyond access to weapons and technology. It encompasses loyalty, trust and excellence,” he stressed.

According to Air Abubakar, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been making frantic efforts to consolidate troops’ and units’ will to fight in the various theatres of operations despite daunting and multi-faceted challenges.

“The will to fight is a major military factor which has become more prominent than ever before in the ongoing joint operations nationwide. It is therefore needful to protect, strengthen or galvanize the will to fight and prevent avoidable relapse of operational success so far made,” he stated.

The Air Chief said his administration embarked on many welfare-oriented projects such as construction of accommodation for personnel at various NAF locations across the country.

“Consequently, to this end, we addressed accommodation deficit from 300% to about 85% through newly constructed buildings and the renovation of old ones for both office and residential purposes,” he said.

Abubakar added that the NAF Welfare Scheme witnessed a shift from the Group Life Assurance Policy (GLAP) to the Group Personnel Accident Insurance Policy (GPAIP) to improve morale of personnel and instill confidence in the course of executing their duties.

As part of efforts to ease logistics, he said over 70 vehicles were purchased in the last one year, while airmen and airwomen were also recently fully kitted with new set of uniforms this year.