The two-day 4th African Air Forces Forum kicked off in Lagos on Thursday with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, calling for deeper collaboration among African nations to effectively tackle the continent’s complex and transnational security threats.
The event, which follows the success of the 3rd edition held in Abuja, brings together over 1,300 delegates, exhibitors, and defence leaders from more than 50 countries and includes high-level panel discussions on airborne ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), counterterrorism strategies, and the role of advanced airpower in asymmetric warfare.
It is also featuring exhibitions of aerospace and defence innovations.
Addressing Chiefs of the Air Staff, defence experts and strategic partners from across the continent and beyond, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised that no African country can single-handedly overcome the evolving security challenges plaguing the region.
Stating that cooperation, trust, and shared strategic interests must form the backbone of efforts to enhance peace and stability in Africa, Nigeria’s Air Chief said: “In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, the capacity to project airpower for deterrence, surveillance, logistics, or combat has become indispensable. However, at the core of Africa’s effective employment of airpower lies the imperative for trusted partnerships anchored in shared values and strategic interests.”
Highlighting the theme of this year’s forum – “Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” Air Marshal Abubakar 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.”
He added that the forum offers 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.
In his remarks, Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, extolled the key role played by airpower in every military operation just as he also urged all air chiefs of African air forces to collaborate for maximum impact.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, welcomed the participants to Lagos, describing it as Africa’s most vibrant city, where tradition meets innovation.
“While you are here for serious conversations, do take a moment to savour the sights and sounds of this unforgettable city,” he said.
The opening day of the forum is featuring insightful paper presentations, warm goodwill messages from foreign air chiefs and heads of delegations, as well as an impressive exhibition showcase by top international aviation vendors.
The 4th African Air Forces Forum is expected to chart a path toward 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.
