By Evelyn Usman

Chiefs of Air Forces from 30 nations converged yesterday in Lagos, to discuss strategies to strengthen collaboration and address evolving security challenges and violent extremism in the African continent.

The occasion was the 4th African Air Forces Forum and part of events lined up to celebrate the Nigerian Air Force at 61.

The countries Air Forces included France, China and other Western nations, including the African continent.

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar who was Special Guest of Honour at the two-day Forum held in Victoria Island area of Lagos, noted that the current security landscape in the Africa region was marked by complexity, with multidimensional threats transcending borders and defying traditional resources.

According to him: “ Presently, we gather at a pivot moment, one marked by complexity, both brutality and urgency. These threats include terrorism and violent extremism, where groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and their affiliates continue to cause instability and despair across our region”.

“ In addition, transnational organized crimes ranging from the trafficking of drugs and arms pose serious threats to our collective peace and prosperity.

“Moreover, the maritime domain is also threatened. Piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes continue to undermine threatened economic lifelines, as well as peace and stability of our maritime domain. Addressing such threats requires seamless coordination and joint operations between our naval and air forces.

Similarly, on-border security, driven by borders, frontiers, and cross-border conflicts, demands robust aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

“Such challenges by their nature are not confined to individual nations. Rather, they are regional, even continental in scale. Such, no nation can overcome them in isolation.This is precisely why the spirit of unity and collaboration embodied in this forum is not just desirable, but indispensable”.

In his good will message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State noted that the forum marked a new era in showcasing African innovations and technical expertise, while the theme ‘Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security’,resonated deeply with the challenges Africa faces,

To address what he described as complex issues, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, called on the need to adapt to the changing nature of warfare, leveraging on technological advancements, as well as to invest in Air Force training and development.

According to him: “ We must adapt to the changing nature of warfare, embrace technological advancements, and invest in the training and development of our Air Forces. The issues we confront as a region are complex, ranging from terrorism and transnational crime to safeguarding our extensive airspace. These challenges call for innovative solutions, collaborative strategies, and a unified approach.

“While I truly grasp the importance of air power in ensuring national and regional security, I have to say that the unique challenges of air operations have added extra pressure on our air forces across the continent. They are not just tasked with their own missions but also with supporting other branches of the military and helping the civilian population to enhance overall security”

He emphasized the need for effective technology use to minimize collateral damage during air missions, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, noting that air operations could have a profound impact on innocent lives when terrorists exploit human shields.

While noting that the Forum was not just a meeting of military leaders , but a chance to forge lasting partnerships and nurture a spirit of cooperation, Sanwo-Olu stressed that collaboration and resource-sharing among nations were essential to creating a robust air power that could deter threats and protect people.

Earlier in his welcome remark, the Chief of Air Staff, Air marshal Hassan Abubakar stated that protecting air power was crucial to safeguarding national security and promoting regional stability, owing to the evolving security landscape.

Describing the forum as timely, given the African continent’s volatile and ambiguous security environment, the CDS said trusted partnerships anchored in shared values and strategic interests were essential to Africa’s effective employment of air power. He stressed that by working together, African nations could bolster their air power capabilities and promote a safer and more secure future for the continent.

Part of the deliberations in the two-day Forum according to to him, would include examining “ key issues such as advancement in airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and enhance air power capabilities in counter-terrorism and espionage warfare As part of the activities lined up for this symposium, there will be exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge advances in aerospace and defense technology while providing valuable opportunities for networking and exchange of ideas

“ Through the strong bonds forged here, we can open avenues for vital transfer of technology that will bring us significantly closer to self-sufficiency in the crucial hardware and material needed to meet the air power demands of national security in all operating environments across the continent”.

In his goodwill message,the Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, PLAAF for China , General Chang Dingqiu, said the African Air Forces Forum had built a platform for every participating country to deepen understanding, iron out differences, and communicate on cooperation together.

Represented by Zanya Zanya, China’s Air Force Commander emphasized the importance of Africa in maintaining global peace and stability, pledging China’s willingness to work closely with African counterparts to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.

“In the face of complex global threats, China advocates for multilateralism, peaceful development, and South-South cooperation. It firmly supports the UN-led international system and promotes a shared destiny for humanity. Through pragmatic actions and extensive consultation, China aims to contribute to global security and stability, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared responsibilities”, he stated.

The event featured an exhibition session where military forces from around the world showcased their cutting-edge aircrafts . The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for nations to demonstrate their technological advancements and capabilities in air power, fostering collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of global security.