The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have strengthened their long-standing defence partnership with a renewed focus on operational readiness, cost efficiency, and indigenous capacity development.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAF confirmed the development followed the visit of the Director General, Weapons Development and Life Cycle Support of the PAF, Major General MI Khattak, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja, on September 17, 2025.
Air Marshal Abubakar described the collaboration as a strategic initiative with mutual benefits for both nations.
“This partnership goes beyond transactional arrangements; it is about mutual growth and strategic value. For us in the NAF, it translates into improved operational readiness, reduced sustainment costs, and the chance to build indigenous capacity. For Pakistan, it opens new economic opportunities in Africa’s expanding defence market. Together, we can create a model of cooperation that enhances our air forces and strengthens collective security,” he said.
He further identified key areas of opportunity, including research, precision-guided munitions, rocket systems, weapons life-cycle support, and capacity building for personnel through advanced training, academic exchanges, and industrial attachments to leading Pakistani defence institutions such as Pakistan Ordnance Factories and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
In his response, Major General Khattak commended the professionalism of the NAF and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the partnership.
“We in Pakistan deeply value this partnership with Nigeria. It reflects trust, respect, and a shared vision for self-reliance in air power. Pakistan stands ready to support the NAF in its journey towards greater operational readiness and indigenous capability while also learning from Nigeria’s growing influence in regional security,” he stated.
The meeting opened avenues for structured defence engagements between the two nations, reaffirming their shared resolve to advance cooperation in line with the NAF’s strategic priorities of smarter air power, enhanced force protection, and safer communities.
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