The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said it would continue to intensify efforts in local Research and Development (R&D) programmes to improve military technology and weaponry for modern warfare.
The Chief of Standards and Evaluation, NAF, AVM Micheal Onyebashi, said this during the logistics command 2024 inter-units research and development competition at 631 Aircrafts Maintenance Depot, Lagos.
The theme of the competition was: ‘Building Air Power Capability Through Prioritisation Of R&D To Improve Logistics Support For NAF Operational Effectiveness”.
The Tide source reports that nine NAF units participated in the competition with a total of 10 projects displayed.
Onyebashi, represented by the Director, R&D, NAF, AVM Samuel Okoro. said that armed forces of more advanced nations were renowned for pioneering efforts in revolutionary researches and breakthrough discoveries in various areas.
According to him, 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 the programme was in line with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar’s command Philosophy – “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 multifaceted internal security challenges in the various geo-political zones.
“It has, therefore, become more imperative for 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 efforts at harnessing the potential in utilising indigenous resources for research and development 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 he was optimistic that the event would eventually produce products to aid the enhancement of NAF operations and development of the nation at large.
He urged the command to ensure fruitful collaborations with relevant stakeholders to fund more R&D activities.
Speaking, Abdullahi said the objective of the competition was to showcase the command’s creativity towards finding solution to operational, maintenance and other service related problems in the force.
“Nigerian Air Force being a technology driven organisation places a high premium on research and development.
“One of the cardinal enablers of the Chief of Air Staff command philosophy is “proactive logistics support and strong maintenance culture.
“To further promote the noble idea and ensure its actualisation, the headquarters of NAF introduced the annual R&D competition at the command and unit levels,” he said.
The AOC said t was necessary to look inwards to solve the challenges encountered in procuring aircraft spares, weapons and equipment acquisition for prosecution of war against terrorism and banditry.
“Therefore, it has become necessary for NAF to provide some of its defence equipment and system needs through innovative knowledge and skills.
“It is gladdening that logistics command is contributing its quota towards achieving the desired self-reliance aimed at sustaining NAF operations across the country,” he said.
Abdullahi commended the participating units for committing their resources and to come up with the projects in spite other competing demands in the unit.
He also thanked the Chief of Air Staff for providing the enabling environment for the competition to hold.
The Tide source reports that 631 Armament Support Group, Kainji with the design and construction of A-29 Super Tucano Electrically operated external store loader received the first position.
While 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot with the design and fabrication of Actuators and Valves Test Stand came second, the Communications Information Systems Depot, Shasha, with the design of the Tactical Mobile Combat Helmet received the third position.