NAF Strengthens Air Power Strategy, Seals Advanced Pilot Training Partnership with Canadian Aviation School
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up its combat readiness drive through a strategic collaboration with the International Test Pilots School, aimed at advancing fighter pilot training and boosting operational efficiency.
The renewed partnership was underscored during a courtesy visit by ITPS Executive Chairman, Giorgio Clementi, to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Air Marshal Aneke described the initiative as a critical pillar of the Air Force’s modernisation agenda, focused on building a highly skilled and technologically advanced force capable of responding to evolving security challenges. He emphasised that enhanced pilot training, improved engineering expertise, and stronger airworthiness standards are essential to sustaining operational effectiveness.
Central to the collaboration is specialised training on the M-346FA fighter aircraft platform, which is expected to equip Nigerian pilots with advanced multi-role combat capabilities and exposure to modern air warfare standards.
He added that structured training programmes, instructor development, and the integration of cutting-edge simulation technologies would significantly improve safety, efficiency, and mission readiness across NAF operations.
In his remarks, Clementi reaffirmed ITPS’s readiness to provide customised training solutions, leveraging its global expertise in test pilot training, flight testing, and aviation consultancy under a long-term partnership framework.
The visit also featured a strategic session with senior NAF officials, where both parties reviewed operational needs and outlined practical steps for implementing the expanded training programme.
(NewsPeg)
