Build on trusted partnerships anchored on shared values and strategic interests
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has called for deeper collaboration among African nations to effectively tackle the continent’s complex and transnational security threats.
Air Marshal Abubakar made the call on Thursday ,May 22, 2025 in Lagos at the opening ceremony of the 4th African Air Forces Forum .
A statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.stated that Air Marshal Abubakar spoke at the Forum attended by air chiefs, defence experts, and strategic partners from across the continent and beyond,
He emphasised that no African country can single-handedly overcome the evolving security challenges plaguing the region.
The CAS stressed that cooperation, trust, and shared strategic interests must form the backbone of efforts to enhance peace and stability in Africa.
According to him, “In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, the capacity to project airpower for deterrence, surveillance, logistics, or combat has become indispensable,” he said. “However, at the core of Africa’s effective employment of airpower lies the imperative for trusted partnerships anchored in shared values and strategic interests.”
The statement added that while highlighting the theme of this year’s forum, Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security, the CAS observed that “As threats become increasingly transnational in nature, the urgency for enhanced cooperation, innovation, and strategic foresight among African air forces cannot be overemphasised.”
It further explained that the CAS added that the forum offered a vital platform for forging strong bonds, exchanging ideas, and facilitating technology transfer to move Africa closer to self-sufficiency in aerospace and defence capabilities.
It added that the event, which followed the success of the 3rd edition held in Abuja, brought together over 1,300 delegates, exhibitors, and defence leaders from more than 50 countries.
According to it, the two-day symposium includes high-level panel discussions on airborne ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), counterterrorism strategies, and the role of advanced airpower in asymmetric warfare. Exhibitions of aerospace and defence innovations are also featured.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, extolled the key role played by airpower in every military operation and urged all air chiefs of African air forces to collaborate for maximum impact.
The 4th African Air Forces Forum is expected to chart a path towards more integrated and cooperative airpower strategies across the continent, with a strong emphasis on “African solutions to African problems” in partnership with the global community.