By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has called for deeper collaboration among African nations to effectively tackle the continent’s complex and transnational security threats.
He made the call during his opening remarks at the 4th African Air Forces Forum held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos on 22nd May 2025.
Addressing Air Chiefs, 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.
He stressed that cooperation, trust, and shared strategic interests must form the backbone of efforts to enhance peace and stability in Africa.
According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the CAS 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”, the CAS 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.
The event, which followed the success of the 3rd edition held in Abuja, brought together over 1,300 delegates, exhibitors, and defence leaders from more than 50 countries.
The two-day symposium included high-level panel discussions on airborne ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), counterterrorism strategies, and the role of advanced airpower in asymmetric warfare. Exhibitions of aerospace and defence innovations are also featured.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, extolled the key role played by airpower in every military operation, while also urging all Air Chiefs of African Air Forces to collaborate for maximum impact.
Also, Guest of Honour, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, seized the opportunity to welcome 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 kicked off with a bang, 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.
