The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to strengthening global defence partnerships during a week-long working visit to the People’s Republic of China from August 24 – 30, 2025.
According to a statement posted on NAF’s verified Facebook page on Sunday, the visit featured high-level engagements with leading aviation and defence companies across several cities, reflecting NAF’s determination to enhance operational effectiveness through strategic international collaboration.
At meetings with the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) in Beijing, the CAS emphasised the importance of sustaining NAF’s platforms, noting: “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.”
The delegation also toured key aerospace production facilities, including Haerbin Aircraft Company, where NAF officials inspected the Z-20 utility helicopter and expressed interest in further technical evaluations.
Similarly, at the Chengdu Aircraft Company, the team received comprehensive briefings on the JF-17B and Block III variants, examined the JF-17B prototype, and conducted simulated flights on the JF-17C simulator.
Reflecting on the inspections, Air Marshal Abubakar observed: “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.”
The CAS also visited the AVIC Unmanned Aerial Systems Company, where he highlighted the increasing role of drones in modern warfare, stating: “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.”
Summarising the outcomes of the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar affirmed that the engagements align with his vision of building an agile and resilient Air Force capable of meeting evolving security challenges. “By deepening our partnerships with trusted global players, we are ensuring improved fleet availability, enhanced maintenance support, and mission readiness to meet Nigeria’s evolving security challenges,” he remarked.
The week-long tour not only consolidated NAF’s defence diplomacy in Asia but also reaffirmed Nigeria’s standing as a reliable partner in global security cooperation.
