NAF to improve military technology and weaponry through R&D programmes

 NAF to improve military technology and weaponry through R&D programmes 

Lagos, April 5, 2024 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday said that it would continue to intensify efforts locally in its Research and Development programmes in order to improve military technology and weaponry for modern warfare.

The Chief of Standards and Evaluation, NAF, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Micheal Onyebashi said this during the Logistics Command, NAF 2024 Inter-units Research and Development (R&D) competition which held at 631 Aircrafts Maintenance Depot, Ikeja, Lagos.

The R&D competition was with the theme: 'Building Air Power Capability Through Prioritisation Of R&D To Improve Logistics Support For NAF Operational Effectiveness '.

Onyebashi was represented by the Director, R&D, NAF, AVM Samuel Okoro.

Reelzznewzz24 reports that nine NAF units participated in the competition with a total of 10 projects displayed.

Onyebashi, who was the Guest of Honour, said that armed forces of more advanced nations were renowned for their pioneering efforts in revolutionary researches and breakthrough discoveries in various areas.

"Such landmark products and discoveries from military research and development have contributed immensely to the improvement of military technology and weaponry which has greatly impacted modern warfare. 

"NAF understands the importance of research and innovation in order to efficiently fulfil its assigned roles, therefore, the Service places a high premium on R&D," he said.

The AVM said that this was in line with the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar's Command Philosophy which involves “prioritising R&D leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnership and lessons learnt”.

"This competition is therefore an indication that the Logistics Command in particular and NAF in general are equally aspiring to leave their footprints on the global stage. 

"Currently, the nation is facing muitifaceted internal security challenges in the various geo-political zones.

"It has therefore become more imperative for the NAF to look inwards towards developing indigenous technological capacity and gradually wean itself off the current over dependence on foreign technology," he said.

Onyebashi commended the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, AVM Yaro Abdullahi for the efforts being made at harnessing the potentials in utilising indigenous resources for the R&D projects. 

"I am pleased at the number of projects on display at the various stands today.

"It renews the hope that with ingenuity, determination and the right leadership, NAF personnel can indeed achieve much.

"I strongly believe that by joining hands together and building strong partnership, there is no challenge that we cannot surmount as a Service and as a nation," he said.

The AVM said that he was optimistic that the event would eventually produce products which could be patented to aid the enhancement of NAF operations and the development of the nation at large. 

Onyebashi encouraged the Command to make more efforts for fruitful collaborations and joint partnerships with relevant stakeholders to fund more R&D activities within the Command.

Also speaking, the AOC, AVM Abdullahi said the objective of the competition was to showcase the Command's innovative idea towards finding solution to operational, maintenance and other service related problems in the NAF.

"Nigerian Air Force being a technology driven organization places a high premium on Research & Development (R&D).

"One of the cardinal enablers of the CAS command philosophy is “proactive logistics support and strong maintenance culture”.

"To further promote the noble idea and ensure its actualisation, headquarters NAF introduced the annual R&D Competition at the command and unit levels," he said.

The AOC said that it was necessary to look inwards to solve the challenges encountered in procuring aircraft spares, weapons and equipment acquisition for prosecution of the war against terrorism and banditry.

"Therefore, it has become necessary for NAF to provide some of her defence equipment and system needs through innovative knowledge and skills.

"It is gladding that Logistics Command is contributing its quota towards achieving the desired self-reliance aimed at sustaining NAF operations across the country," he said.

Abdullahi appreciated the participating units for committing their resources to come up with these projects, in spite of other competing demands in the unit.

He appreciated the CAS for providing the enabling environment for the competition to hold today. 

ReelzzNewzz24 reports that the First position went to 631 Armament Support Group, Kainji with the design and construction of A-29 Super Tucano Electrically operated external store loader.

Second position went to 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot with the design and fabrication of Actuators and Valves Test Stand.

Third position went to Communications Information Systems Depot, Shasha with the design of the Tactical Mobile Combat Helmet.