The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has solicited improved defence partnership with the respective militaries of all allied countries in Nigeria.
Abubakar made the revelation when he hosted foreign Defence Attachés of allied countries accredited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the gathering of the military diplomats had showcased the profession of arms as not only a guardian of territorial integrity, but also bridge builder across geopolitical and strategic boundaries.
The CAS said the increasingly fragile global security landscape had brought to the fore the indispensable role that military forces played in ensuring peace and stability in the world.
Additionally, He noted that the event underscored the long-standing commitment of the countries to maintaining strong ties in the field of defence and security.
The event, according to him, offers him a unique opportunity to share his command philosophy with them and solicit their cooperation towards realizing his vision for the Nigerian Air Force.
According to him, the NAF as an integral component of the Nigerian Armed Forces, has consistently played a pivotal role in regional stability in Africa, and the West African subregion in particular.
“The NAF’s role in tackling security challenges in concert with other security services, demands sustenance of a diverse range of credible air power capabilities.
“These capabilities are often products of innovations and advancements in technology developed beyond the shores of any country, hence the need for strong alliances orchestrated by Defence Attachés.
“As Defence Attachés representing the respective military services of your countries, you are charged with the task of developing and promoting the defence interests of your respective countries in Nigeria.
“It is thus pragmatic to pursue those interests within the context of NAF’s aspirations.
“By doing so you would easily sustain a synergistic and symbiotic relationship with us,” he said.
Abubakar said his command philosophy was, “To transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.”
