The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to strengthening international defence cooperation during a week-long working visit to the People’s Republic of China.
Leading a high-level delegation, the CAS held strategic engagements with leading aviation and defence companies across multiple Chinese cities, reinforcing NAF’s focus on boosting operational capabilities through global partnerships.
One of the major highlights was a meeting with the leadership of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) in Beijing on 25 August 2025.
Describing the discussions as highly rewarding, Air Marshal Abubakar said:
“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.”
At Haerbin Aircraft Company, where the medium-lift Z-20 utility helicopter is produced for the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Force, the NAF team was received by Vice President Wang Shilei. The company presented an in-depth briefing on the Z-20’s capabilities and features.
The delegation toured the Z-20 and expressed interest in further technical assessments, while Shilei welcomed NAF’s engagement and voiced optimism for stronger bilateral cooperation.
The team later travelled to Chengdu, where they visited the JF-17 Aircraft Manufacturing Installation. The Chief Designer of the facility gave a detailed briefing on the JF-17B and JF-17 Block III, highlighting differences with the JF-17II currently operated by NAF.
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NAF officials also inspected the JF-17B prototype, examined its cockpit configuration, and conducted simulated flights on the JF-17C simulator.
After touring production lines at Haerbin and Chengdu, the CAS remarked:
“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, discussions focused on the increasing role of drones in modern warfare. Emphasising their importance, Air Marshal Abubakar 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.”
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, he added:
“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.”
The visit not only reinforced NAF’s defence diplomacy efforts in Asia but also underscored Nigeria’s standing as a committed contributor to international security cooperation.
