The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL), to advance its Research and Development (R & D) efforts.
This, it said, was aimed at promoting indigenous technology to sustain platforms and equipment serviceability.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Cdr Edward Gabkwet, stated that the partnership would further reduce NAF’s over-dependence on foreign technology and enable it to be more innovative and resourceful.
According to Gabkwet, the partnership would cover areas of human capacity development and production of security systems, as well as personal protective equipment.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, noted that partnership with organisations, such as the ITF and EPAIL, was necessary for NAF to move the service forward.
Amao added that such partnership would no doubt move the service toward becoming technologically advanced and self-reliant.
Represented by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, AVM Olusegun Philip, the CAS noted that the MoUs would facilitate solution-driven techniques to NAF’s technical challenges, which would in turn translate to greater operational efficiency for the Service.
He also noted that in line with the focus of the Federal Government towards promoting indigenous technology, NAF had been looking inwards to gradually wean itself of overdependence on foreign technology.
As well as being more innovative and resourceful as aptly encapsulated in two of the key drivers of its vision.
Amao noted further that through collaboration with other organisations and agencies, NAF had been able to produce items such as auto-pilot cassettes and hydraulic diaphragms for the Mi-35 helicopter and L-39ZA trainer aircraft.
Meanwhile, other R&D feats recorded include: production of Alpha-Jet aircraft anti-skid brake system, test bench and batteries for the Mi-helicopters series.
He said that these and many other innovative efforts had provided the impetus for NAF to effectively project air power, in support of friendly forces.
The Director-General, ITF, Mr Joseph Ari, noted that the MoUs would establish a framework through which the signatories would work together to nurture a collaborative win-win relationship and enhance productivity.
“You have dependable allies in us. We will pursue the MoUs with the vigour and seriousness they deserve for our overall benefits,” he said.
Ari also commended the CAS for his leadership, which, he said, had repositioned NAF for operational effectiveness.
He called on Nigerians to be support the efforts of the military as they strive to safeguard the entire nation.
The NAF currently has 32 active MoUs with various organisations, agencies and universities nationwide.
Its MoU with the ITF focused on human capital development, while EPAIL, on the other hand, is an indigenous private company involved in the manufacturing of security systems and personal protective equipment that would be of benefit to the NAF. (NAN)
