CAS Advances Global Defence Diplomacy And Capacity Building During Strategic Visit To Czech Republic

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to modernisation, self-reliance, and strategic global partnerships during an official visit to the Czech Republic from 23–24 February 2026. The visit forms part of the CAS’s deliberate drive to leverage international collaboration in strengthening training, sustainment, and operational capability development in line with contemporary security realities. It further reflects the NAF’s growing profile as a forward-looking and professionally adaptive air force.

At Aero Vodochody Aerospace, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the company and the NAF, particularly in the overhaul and upgrade of the L-39ZA Albatros jet aircraft, which continues to enhance pilot training and operational proficiency. He expressed appreciation for the company’s technical support and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in the areas of spares provision, technical expertise, and training support. “Our partnership is anchored not only on platforms but on building institutional capacity and technical competence that will endure,” the CAS stated.

Discussions also focused on the NAF’s structured transition from the legacy L-39ZA to the more advanced L-39 Skyfox, a modern jet trainer and light attack platform designed to meet the demands of evolving air operations. During a guided tour of the production facility, the CAS underscored the necessity of aligning training systems with modern warfare dynamics while ensuring seamless continuity in pilot development. He reiterated that modernisation must be carefully phased to guarantee sustained training output and operational readiness throughout the transition period.

The CAS further held high-level talks with the Czech Air Force, where both sides explored expanded cooperation in training, simulator capacity development, and logistics collaboration across rotary- and fixed-wing operations. The engagements built on existing professional ties and were marked by mutual understanding and a shared commitment to capability enhancement. The Commander of the Czech Air Force described the interaction as “a meaningful step towards deepening military cooperation and advancing shared professional standards.”

Additional engagements with defence export stakeholders provided insight into advanced aviation simulators, parachute training systems, unmanned aerial solutions, and other emerging technologies relevant to modern air power. In his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that contemporary defence partnerships must extend beyond acquisition to include knowledge exchange and technology transfer. “The future of air power lies in innovation, local capacity development, and strategic cooperation. We are focused on partnerships that strengthen our ability to sustain, adapt, and innovate,” he affirmed.

The visit provided strategic momentum towards achieving the CAS Command Philosophy of leveraging innovation, emerging technologies, and international partnerships to drive sustainable capability development. Through purposeful defence diplomacy and structured modernisation, Air Marshal Aneke continues to position the Nigerian Air Force as a resilient, mission-focused, and globally engaged institution committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and contributing responsibly to regional and international security.