By DORCAS PANKYES
In a recent seminar held at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has emphasised the crucial role of air power in addressing the fluid and complex security challenges faced by the country. The seminar, titled “Evolving Character of Air Power in Modern Warfare: Nigerian Air Force Combat Operations in Perspective,” brought together esteemed scholars, both from the military and external sources, to discuss and propose solutions for enhancing the operational effectiveness of the NAF.
Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir, the NAF Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP), highlighted the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in the face of rapid technological advancements and creative adversaries. He emphasised that leveraging cutting-edge technology, conceptual revolutions in air power, and the key enablers of the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy are essential for the NAF to become a resilient and agile force.
One of the key enablers mentioned by Air Vice Marshal Abdulkadir is force structure optimisation, which involves acquiring platforms with multi-role capabilities and durable with cost-efficient maintenance protocols. As part of this strategy, the NAF recently upgraded its Order of Battle with the induction of platforms such as the T-129 ATAK helicopters. These deliberate acquisitions align with the NAF’s operational needs and contribute to its ambition of becoming a resilient force.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Alhaji, the Commandant of the College, emphasised that air power has become critical and its effects unmatched in the uncertain and complex operational environment. He stressed the importance of seeking contemporary and innovative strategies to stay ahead of adversaries. He also highlighted the creative employment of multi-domain capabilities, with air power as a key enabler, as a necessity in the current operational and fiscal realities.
The seminar, spanning two days, witnessed engaging discussions on various topics related to air power and its evolving role in modern warfare. Scholars shared their insights and proposed workable solutions to enhance the NAF’s operational effectiveness.
The NAF aims to nurture an air force that is flexible, adaptable, and resilient enough to withstand the ever-evolving trends in air power and the security landscape. To achieve this, the NAF recognises the importance of an effective man-machine synergy and ensures that courses taught at the Department of Air Warfare are relevant and valuable, with nominees limited to the most qualified.
The Nigerian Air Force continues to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining air superiority and contributing to national security. By embracing technological advancements, conceptual revolutions, and strategic enablers, the NAF is poised to tackle the current security challenges and remain unrivalled in the domain of air power.
