NAF Deepens Defence Ties with Czech Republic to Advance Modernisation Drive
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to modernisation, self-reliance and strategic international partnerships during an official visit to the Czech Republic.
The visit forms part of a deliberate effort to leverage global collaboration in enhancing training, sustainment and operational capability in response to evolving security challenges.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the trip underscores the NAF’s growing profile as a forward-looking and professionally adaptive air force.
During engagements with Aero Vodochody Aerospace, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the company and the NAF, particularly in the overhaul and upgrade of the L-39ZA Albatros aircraft, which continues to support pilot training and operational proficiency.
He expressed appreciation for the firm’s technical support and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation in spares provision, technical expertise and training.
He noted that the partnership is anchored not only on aircraft platforms but also on building lasting institutional capacity.
Discussions also centred on the NAF’s structured transition from the legacy L-39ZA to the more advanced L-39 Skyfox, a modern jet trainer and light attack aircraft.
During a tour of the production facility, the CAS highlighted the need to align training systems with contemporary warfare requirements while ensuring uninterrupted pilot development and operational readiness throughout the transition.
The CAS further held high-level talks with the Czech Air Force, exploring expanded cooperation in training, simulator development and logistics collaboration across rotary- and fixed-wing operations.
Additional meetings with defence export stakeholders provided insight into advanced simulators, parachute training systems and unmanned aerial technologies.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that modern defence partnerships must extend beyond equipment acquisition to include knowledge exchange and technology transfer, adding that innovation, local capacity development and strategic cooperation remain central to the NAF’s long-term capability development objectives.
