By John Ikani
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to align with the initiative for Global Air Forces to collaborate on climate change.
A statement issued by NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, revealed that Amao made the pledged when he paid a courtesy call on the Royal Air Force (RAF) Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston at his Office in London.
Amao said the need for NAF to devise means of conserving energy and take preemptive measures and steps towards safeguarding military hardware and equipment against the effect of climate change is imperative.
According to him, the NAF will soon commence the implementation of projects to power NAF Bases nationwide, while also undertaking research and development on synthetic fuels and electric support equipment, stressing that through the integration of synthetic and simulation devices, the NAF would work towards the acquisition of new NAF Air training systems.
While seeking partnership with the RAF in the areas of curriculum development as well as the establishment of NAF Air and Space Power Warfare Centre and the Centre for Air Power Studies, Air Marshal Amao also solicited for additional capacity building opportunities in aviation medicine, combat search and rescue as well as rescue and regiment training for NAF personnel.
Other areas of support and collaboration highlighted by the CAS included aircrew and technical training and support, and provision of training slots in the RAF Centre for Air and Space Power Studies and Air and Space Power Warfare Centre.
In his response, Air Chief Marshal Wigston commended Amao for the renewed synergy and vigour exhibited by the NAF in its counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts.
According to him, over the years, it has become clear that the NAF is critical towards countering the security challenges in Nigeria.
On the request for partnership, Air Marshal Wigston obliged and stated that the NAF could send its personnel to the RAF to acquire knowledge on curriculum development and in the establishment of the Centre.
