The Several Technological Breakthroughs by the NAF and the positive impact on the War on Terror, Tackling Security Challenges.

IMPACT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON NIGERIAN AIR FORCE OPERATIONS: THE JOURNEY SO FAR

By: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

I consider it an honour and privilege to be invited to deliver a lecture to the participants of Senior Executive Course 39. I therefore express my appreciation to the Acting Director General and staff of this Institute for the honour.

 I am particularly delighted that the theme of this year’s training cycle is “Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the Development of Agricultural and Agro-Allied Industries in Nigeria”.

I must admit that this theme could not have been more apt given that at this time in our nation’s developmental efforts; we are looking inwards to find alternative sources of income as well as the full capacity to feed our teeming population.

Invariably, the attainment of these important national strategic goals would in large part enhance our national security. The Institute had proposed the topic Impact of Science and Technology on National Defence and Security: The Nigerian Air Force Perspective.

However, I have modified today’s presentation to read “The Impact of Research and Development on Nigerian Air Force Operations.” The modification of this topic will therefore, afford me the opportunity to share with this august gathering, how the Nigerian Air Force has been innovating locally to maintain its array of platforms, weapon systems and associated equipment for effective service delivery to the nation.

​Over centuries, great power states have founded their national security on leadership in science and technology. This leadership, coupled with the capacity to innovate and ability to translate new ideas into deployable weapons, systems, and concepts of operation, has long ensured military advantage for these states.

 Whereas, Nigeria’s security interests rely on more than military advantage, science, technology and innovation is essential to advancing these interests. Moreover, a new generation of threats and opportunities has emerged, and is evolving in unprecedented ways. Accordingly, Nigeria’s national security and Science, Technology and Innovation enterprise must continue to evolve to meet these emerging threats and challenges.

​Within the military sphere, Science, Technology and Innovation enterprise has nurtured transformative technologies, such as stealth technology, integrated command and control systems, and precision-guided munitions, all designed to counter peer adversaries in large scale military conflicts.

Today, emerging threats like cyber-attacks, improvised weapons, and the rise of non-state actors which were not anticipated in the design of the national security Science, Technology and Innovation enterprise, portend the need for deeper, holistic, and efficient collaboration in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation, aimed at securing national interests.

 Arguably, the best science and technology potential is often found outside the national security Science, Technology and Innovation enterprise, with a preponderance of such potential resident in academic and commercial sectors. Indeed, maintaining military technology overmatch is a vital national security objective.

However, in contemporary times, this overmatch needs to be developed in conjunction with the private sector in ways that harness ingenious development in furtherance of economic prosperity and national security.  

​I am proud to state that the Nigerian Air Force is harnessing the immense benefits of Science, Technology and Innovation to improve its operational efficiency. It is against this backdrop that I will be speaking on the “Impact of Research and Development on Nigerian Air Force Operations: The Journey So Far.”

AIM

The aim of this presentation therefore, is to highlight the impact of the Research and Development in enhancing Nigerian Air Force operational capability.

SCOPE

To achieve this aim, I shall cover the following:

Starting with

a.​Conceptual Clarifications.

And followed by

b.​Threat Analysis.

Then I shall look at

c.​National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation and the Nigerian Air Force.

Thereafter

d.​Impact of Research and Development on Nigerian Air Force Operational Efficiency.

And highlight

e.​Challenges to Research and Development in the Nigerian Air Force.

I will then consider

f.​Future Deliverables.  

I shall begin with conceptual clarifications.

CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATIONS

7.​The concepts to be clarified in this presentation are science, technology, innovation and security. Let me begin with science.

 SCIENCE

​The influence of science on military thought and practice dates back to the inception of the scientific revolution in the late sixteenth century. Since then, science and warfare have maintained a two-way traffic: where military imperatives stimulate scientific discoveries; and military men inspired by the formidable successes of modern science, utilize science to shape the battlefield in ways that effectively predict and provide certainty as well as impose order over chaos. Science is always a collective enterprise conducted within a scientific community which shares and produces the ideas, norms and practices that constitute science. In order for any scientific truth to gain universal or even widespread acceptance beyond its communities of enterprise, it must therefore necessarily be socially and culturally reproduced and validated. This entails presenting its core ideas and notions in terms that are coherent and comprehensible to the non-initiated, generally expressed through the medium of language but also possibly in a visual or experimental fashion. In this presentation therefore, science means the process through which reality is constructed so as to order it.

TECHNOLOGY

​

Tools and technical artifacts have always existed as necessary requisites of human civilization. However, they had previously remained distinct from the theoretical contemplation of natures’ laws. The Belgian physical chemist and Nobel Laureate, Ilya Prigogine observes that, the distinction between theoretical thinking and technological activity was established in development of natural philosophy espoused by the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle. In this regard, whereas science seeks to rationally understand natural processes to utilize them effectively, technology seeks to deceive nature by creating effects extraneous to “natural order” of things.

For the German philosopher, Martin Heidegger, “the essence of technology is to utilize science to dominate nature, to convert the universe into an undifferentiated “standing reserve” available to be put to work when needed.”

 Indeed, while science provides a methodological disposition to problem solving and informs our conceptions of how the world works, it has through its conceptual frameworks led to the development and diffusion of technology. Accordingly, this presentation adopts technology as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

A look at

INNOVATION

​Innovation as a phenomenon serves the sole purpose of improving the quality of life. Indeed, innovation has been of outstanding importance to the well-being of individuals, entities and in some cases even for whole civilizations and nations. Over the last decades the understanding of innovation and the overall impact of innovation on national welfare has changed considerably. Innovation was understood as “… the implementation of a new or significantly improved product (goods or services), in business practices, workplace organization or external relations.” Innovation practice today shows that it is by nature a term free of values which covers the whole spectrum of activities from discovery, to first time practical application of new knowledge of any kind, which aims at the fulfillment of requirements and meeting the goals of recipients in a new fashion and way.

​The evolution of innovation is characterized by a high complexity requiring unorthodox thinking, and in result, social acceptance. Hence the term innovation includes new technological, economic, organizational and social solutions, which are not necessarily marketable in an economic sense with direct monetary impact, but are applicable and are being used. Therefore, knowledge and ideas are essential components of the term innovation. In general, three major steps can be distinguished in innovation: the idea of “something new,” the development of “something new,” and the commercialization of “something new.” When examined critically, one​can discern a nexus between innovation as well as Research and Development. Accordingly, in this presentation innovation is regarded as the introduction of new methods, ideas or products. I will however use the term innovation, as well as Research and Development interchangeably.

SECURITY

​The term security lends itself to different interpretations with tensions over the referent object. The narrow approach to security views the state as the referent object, while the wider perspective argues for the individual as the referent object. The tension in agreeing on the referent object of security could, therefore, have challenges for security threat perception and response. In distinguishing between the traditional, narrow definitions and recent, broad conceptions of security studies, Prof Stephen Waltz and Prof Barry Buzan, among other renown scholars of international relations, articulated very different views about how to define the concept of security, as well as about the scope of analytical approaches and empirical domains appropriate to security studies.

​The narrow definition of security focuses on material capabilities and the use and control of military force by states. In contrast, the broader definition of security espouses the importance of issues that relate to economic competitiveness, human rights, or human welfare. Whereas the referent object of security is not fixed, but varies over time, the term security in this presentation will refer to narrow definition which places emphasis on material capabilities and the use and control of military force by states. Having conceptualized the terms in this presentation, understanding the impact of Research and Development on the NAF will require an analysis of our threats.

THREAT ANALYSIS

​Before delving into the lecture, it is important to consider the threats confronting Nigeria, and efforts being made to combat these threats. This consideration is a necessary precursor to understanding the role of the defence sector in the Science, Technology and Innovation policy. Threat analysis is vital in determining the requirements for Nigerian Air Force operational readiness and appropriateness of our defence platforms, in terms of technological advancement, sophistication and efficient delivery capabilities.

​Threat to a nation could be anything, or situation or development that can jeopardize the State or constitute hindrance to the achievement of its interests or attainment of the aspirations of its citizens. The National Defence Policy 2006 (Chapter 3) and Nigerian Air Force Strategic Plan gave a broad assessment of threats to the Nigerian state.  However, in their book titled “The Post-Modern Military” Charles C Moskos et.al, asserted that “threat changes in time and character, as well as in specifics”. Thus, as the nature and characteristics of perceived threats change, so also should the responses in terms of force structure and capability.

​Traditionally, threat is assessed from 2 perspectives – the internal and the external threats. Nevertheless, it is a valuation of these 2 sources of threats that normally shapes a nation’s defence structure and direction of its Science, Technology and Innovation policy. Now, let us look at the internal threats.

INTERNAL THREATS

​The centrifugal and centripetal forces that determine the internal political dynamics of a nation’s political system have direct impact on her national security. Recently, the struggle between these two competing forces have become a source of serious internal security threats to the country, majorly amongst is, the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region. Although the Nigerian Armed Forces have decimated the capability of the Boko Haram Terrorists to operate in the Sambisa Forest and other parts of the North-eastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, and Gombe. Nevertheless, there is the need for continuous vigilance due to the constant threat posed by remnants of the terrorists and insurgents.

​Another threat to the nation’s internal security is the resurgence in the activities of some groups in the Niger Delta. Currently Operation DELTA SAFE is addressing this concern. Other challenges include agitations for cessation, corruption, religious intolerance and fundamentalism and the current state of the economy. The foregoing activities have given rise to social vices, economic crimes, kidnapping, cattle rustling and ethnic chauvinism among others, and calls for attention. The unpredictability of our current and emerging Internal Security situations, requires utmost vigilance as well as speed and flexibility in response. Hence, increased emphasis must be placed on effective air operations for quick response to emerging situations.

​Since the coming of the present administration, there have been renewed efforts to equip the defence sector with more modern and technologically advanced weaponry, to contain and degrade the threats to Nigeria.  Presently, the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Science and Technology are collaborating on the defence of the Nigerian airspace using Remotely Piloted Aircraft. In conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force, Remotely Piloted Aircraft are also employed for intelligence gathering to combat internal threats. I will now shed some light on external threats.

EXTERNAL THREATS

​While recognizing Nigeria’s policy of ‘good neighbourliness’, the National Defence Policy notes that “potential threats still exist, arising primarily from unresolved geo-political issues”. One of such “unresolved issues” is Nigeria’s extensive and largely un-demarcated borders with Benin Republic, Niger, Chad Republic and Cameroon which collectively totals about 4900km. It is reasonable to infer, that until these borders are properly defined, demarcated and protected, Nigeria will continue to experience border violations and the spill-over effects of conflicts in the neighbouring countries from time to time.

​Other security concerns are; inflow of foreign insurgents/terrorists, proliferation of small arms, and cross-border economic crimes. There is also the possibility of open confrontation in future, between Nigeria and some powerful nations over access to the vast resources in the Gulf of Guinea. These concerns are potential threats to Nigeria thereby demanding Nigerian Air Force response in one way or the other. Air power, being the first line of defence and often the first line of attack will bear the initial burden of such a confrontation if the need arises.

​For the Nigerian Air Force’s platforms to remain operational to effectively face the challenges and in fulfillment of our constitutional roles, the timely delivery of aircraft spares at reasonable costs must be assured. However, the Nigerian Air Force is mostly compelled to rely on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) for the supply of spares and usually at exorbitant prices. Indeed, reliance on foreign procurement portends a threat in terms of its impact on military readiness, and depletion of financial resources. As a Service, we are well aware of the focus of the Federal Government in promoting local content, home grown technology and innovation as principal means of preserving the Nation’s foreign exchange earnings. Accordingly, the Nigerian Air Force currently places premium on research and development, as a way of building indigenous technological capacity while improving operational efficiency. We know that the effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force, in the long term, largely depends on the extent of the growth of its home-based technology. I shall now take a look at the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and its implications for the Nigerian Air Force.

NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNNOVATION POLICY AND THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE

​The National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Vision Statement envisages that by 2020, Nigeria will have a large, strong, diversified, sustainable and competitive economy that effectively harnesses the talents and energies of its people. This economy would responsibly exploit, Nigeria’s natural endowments, to guarantee a high standard of living and quality of life to its citizens. It is expected, that this national policy would ensure the building of a strong Science, Technology and Innovation capability and capacity needed to evolve a modern economy. The first step to self-sufficiency is obvious, and that is “using what you make, and making what you use”. The National Science, Technology and Innovation policy is quite explicit and I will not attempt to explain every sentence in it. However, the Nigerian Air Force will continue to interpret, adopt and implement these provisions for optimum efficiency.

​The essence of the National Science, Technology and Innovation policy is to reduce the huge drain on Nigeria’s foreign reserves as a result of the immense dependence on foreign goods and services. In consonance with objectives of the Policy, the Nigerian Air Force has embarked on numerous activities to boost its operational readiness and efficiency. I shall intimate you with the journey so far.

​Until recently it was the practice to source all the required spares to service Nigerian Air Force platforms from various overseas Original Equipment Manufacturers. Aside the habitually exorbitant cost of importing these items, delivery was often delayed thereby resulting in prolonged downtime for our aircraft. It became obvious that the Nigerian Air Force had to innovate if it must continue to effectively and efficiently fulfill its role. In realization of the foregoing, the foundation for innovative efforts in the Service was laid when the Nigerian Air Force Research and Development Policy was formulated.

​​To ensure the effective implementation of the Research and Development Policy, the erstwhile 320 Technical Training Group was upgraded to the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) as a diploma awarding institution, as well as the establishment within it of a Research and Development cell. The Air Force Institute of Technology runs post-graduate engineering and other logistics related programmes in various aerospace, aeronautical and allied disciplines. The other sister Services and civilians also benefit from the upgrade of Air Force Institute of Technology.  

​Accordingly, since my assumption of office, I have continued to strengthen the Research and Development capacity of the Nigerian Air Force for large scale research activities. In this regard, we established the Air Force Research and Development Centre (AFRDC) in October 2015. Nigerian Air Force personnel who had undergone various postgraduate programmes in Aerospace Vehicle Design at different overseas universities as well as those talented officers in the area of Aerospace Research and Development were pooled to the Air Force Research and Development Centre in Kaduna, to form the nucleus of Nigerian Air Force research activities with resounding results. The Nigerian Air Force also introduced the Inter-Command Research and Development Competition where Units were encouraged to showcase the innovative talents of their personnel. Several Science and computer Laboratories were also built and equipped in various Nigerian Air Force Secondary schools across the country; and science competitions were organized to elicit interest in Science, Technology and Innovation.

​Another step taken by the Nigerian Air Force was to sign Memoranda of Understanding with 24 selected Nigerian universities and research institutes. This is in consonance with two of the key drivers of my vision, which are employing “strategic partnership with Ministries, Departments and Agencies for enhanced Research and Development” and “Reinforce a culture of self-reliance and prudent management of resources”. Sequel to the successful signing of the Memoranda of Understanding, a number of Research and Development cells, comprising resource persons from the selected tertiary institutions and Nigerian Air Force personnel, were formed. The cells were assigned the tasks of addressing different aircraft and related maintenance challenges, based on identified competencies. I am indeed happy to inform this esteemed audience that this was the beginning of the various research and development efforts through which the Nigerian Air Force has been benefiting from immensely.

How then has Research and Development impacted Nigerian Air Force operational efficiency?

IMPACT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON NIGERIAN AIR FORCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

​The result of the Research and Development efforts of the Nigerian Air Force, in partnership with various tertiary institutions and other local organizations, have assisted in solving some specific maintenance problems the Service was facing. I shall only discuss some of the significant breakthroughs in this presentation due to time constraint.

The First breakthrough has to do with the

PRODUCTION OF HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR DIAPHRAGM FOR MI-35 HELICOPTER

​The hydraulic accumulator diaphragm is a very important component of the Mi-35 helicopter, which is one of the main platforms employed in the counter insurgency operation in the North East. Aside being very expensive and scarce to source, the diaphragm requires frequent replacements to assure safe conduct of flying operations. Often, Mi-35 helicopters were grounded due to faulty hydraulic accumulator diaphragms. Previously, the Nigerian Air Force procured 6 diaphragms at the cost of $106,000.00 USD. That situation led to the commencement of an in-house research on the production of the diaphragm.

​In the course of the research, the Nigerian Air Force collaborated with some mechanical and rubber technology outfits in the country, resulting in the production of the first prototype. Since then, the production has undergone many modifications and I am glad to announce that we now produce a version that is even better than the one from the Original Equipment Manufacturer, at a cost of just twenty five thousand Naira. The Nigerian Air Force no longer imports the diaphragms and our Mi-35 helicopters are never grounded again on account of faulty diaphragms. Let me hasten to add that, the successful production of the diaphragm, which was patented in 2016, has the potential of impacting on the Nation’s economy by supporting the growth of local manufacturing companies, and generating foreign earnings from sales to other countries operating similar platforms.

The Second breakthrough has to do with the

RESOLUTION OF INCOMPATIBILITY OF CAMERA AND MULTI FUNCTION DISPLAY ON AGUSTA 109 HELICOPTERS

​The Agusta 109 Helicopter is frequently employed in the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance role in the North East and other theatres of operation. The helicopter’s surveillance camera and its Multi-Function Display, which shows various aircraft parameters, were integrated by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. However, after prolonged usage, compatibility issues began to surface between these systems with attendant adverse effect on operations.

​The foreign firm, which was contacted to rectify the snag, submitted a bill of 158 Million Naira, an amount that the Nigerian Air Force considered as being prohibitive. Consequently, the Nigerian Air Force, tasked one of its Research and Development cells to rectify the snag. The cell was able to successfully separate the camera from the Multi-Function Display while providing an additional monitor for the camera. Both systems now work independently without operational hitches. In addition, 5 Million Naira only was spent to accomplish this feat as against 158 Million Naira demanded by the foreign firm, thereby saving the Service the sum of 153 Million Naira.

The next breakthrough has to do with the

REPLACEMENT OF ELECTROLYTE IN BATTERY OF F-7NI FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

​The F-7Ni aircraft is a fighter aircraft employed in the deep interdiction role in the North East. Among the challenges faced in the operation of the aircraft was the maintenance of the Airborne Alkaline Batteries supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacfurer. The battery had a service life of one year and a shelf life of 2 years, making its durability very poor. The battery also required regular charging and topping of its electrolyte, which had to be procured from overseas. The impression given by the manufacturers was that the electrolyte had special additives and could neither be tampered with nor sourced locally. Meanwhile, the corrosive nature of the electrolyte made it difficult to import, as shippers were always reluctant to ship it thereby leading to increased aircraft downtimes.

​To resolve the problem of electrolyte, which rendered most of the batteries un-useable, the Nigerian Air Force commissioned a Research and Development Team in collaboration with the Benue State University, Makurdi. The team was able to successfully produce a replacement electrolyte for the F-7Ni aircraft batteries. It is gladdening to note that we do not import electrolyte for the F-7Ni aircraft batteries any more.

Another breakthrough is in the

PRODUCTION OF ANTI-SKID TEST BENCH FOR ALPHA JET AIRCRAFT

​For some time, the Nigerian Air Force had been experiencing challenges on the anti-skid system of the Alpha Jet aircraft, which is another platform that is actively engaged in the counterinsurgency operation in the North East. The anti-skid system is connected with the braking system of the aircraft and would usually result in the grounding of the aircraft, if faulty. Test benches are used to confirm the functionality of a system that has been repaired prior to installation on the aircraft. Therefore, lack of these test benches for rectifying anti-skid related snags on the aircraft was a major operational problem. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force was being compelled to test the anti-skid system in situ thereby sometimes inadvertently damaging other components on the aircraft.

​To resolve the anti-skid related challenge on the Alpha Jet aircraft, the Nigerian Air Force collaborated with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and University of Maiduguri as well as Yaba College of Technology. Resource persons from these institutions alongside their Nigerian Air Force counterparts were able to design and produce a test bench for the Alpha Jet aircraft anti-skid system. Recently, a second test bench was successfully designed and produced by University of Maiduguri for the other version of the A-Jet in our inventory. Today, our challenges with the anti-skid system of the aircraft have become part of our history.

Akin to this breakthrough is the

PRODUCTION OF BRAKE PADS AND RIVETS FOR ALPHA JET AIRCRAFT

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​There was a dearth of Alpha Jet aircraft brake assemblies owing to the closure of its production lines abroad. We then took a decision to identify indigenous brake manufacturers to partner with in finding a lasting and home-grown solution to the challenge. Eventually, the Nigerian Air Force partnered with Innoson Group of Companies, which readily agreed to use the Company’s equipment to overhaul the Alpha Jet aircraft brake assembly by using the 

MB-339 aircraft brake pads. A total of 8 brake assemblies were successfully overhauled through this process.

​The Nigerian Air Force has since signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Messrs Innoson, which has invested in the production of brake pads and rivets needed to overhaul the Alpha Jet aircraft brakes. The company is now able to mass produce the needed Alpha Jet aircraft brakes. With this, we are sure of getting the required brakes at an affordable price, right quality and in a timely manner, having involved an indigenous company. The Nigerian Air Force and the company are already exploring the possibility of producing brakes for other aircraft types in the Nigerian Air Force’s inventory.

In the same vein, the Nigerian Air Force has made some breakthroughs in the

MANUFACTURE OF REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT

​The modern trend in military aviation is the employment of Remotely Piloted Aircraft in various missions. Not to be left behind, the NAF, through its Optimizing Local Engineering initiative, was able to manufacture a remotely piloted aircraft named GULMA. The prototype Remotely Piloted Aircraft, when operational could be used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operations. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft has an endurance 

of 8-10 hours, flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet, and a cruise speed of 55 knots which is about 102 km/hr. Indeed, such an asset could also be employed to safeguard our national economic assets such as oil pipe lines, Economic Exclusive Zone and power lines at low cost.

We have also made breakthroughs in the

WEAPONIZATION OF COMBAT AIRCRAFT

​Weaponization is the conversion of a trainer aircraft to a fighter aircraft through the incorporation of a weapon delivery system. The Nigerian Air Force has bolstered its Research and Development initiatives in the area of Armament Technology. These initiatives have led to major breakthroughs that have impacted positively on the Nigerian Air Force’s counterinsurgency operations in the North East. Notable among the efforts toward self-reliance in the field of armament are:

a.​Weaponization of 3 x Alpha Jet aircraft whose weapon systems were reconfigured locally to carry not only the Western bloc rocket launchers but also Eastern bloc rocket launchers.

b.​Weaponization of the 2 x EC-135 civil helicopters.

​Another weaponization programme that was successful has to do with the L-39ZA aircraft as shown in the video clip.

(Video on test fire of armed and re-roled basic jet trainer L-39ZA aircraft with rockets and canons would be shown here.)

I will now highlight

OTHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BREAKTHROUGHS IN THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE

​Other research and development projects that the Nigerian Air Force had embarked on and recorded remarkable achievements are also shown on the screen.

a.​NAFSA Eagle Aircraft Project.

b.​Repair of ATR-42 MPA Components.

c.​Repairs of RC Mugin RPA.

d.​Development of Rocket Launchers.

e.​Production of Operational 30.1mm Rocket and Launcher.

f.​Modification of 22 Tube A-Jet Rocket Launcher Using Super Puma Rocket Pod System.

g.​Development of Rocket Parameter Measuring System.

h.​Production of Unmanned Ground Vehicle which the NAF has acquired patent right from National Office for Technology Acquisition and Production (NOTAP).

​From the foregoing, it is evident that Research and Development efforts in the Nigerian Air Force have impacted positively on the maintenance of the aircraft fleet and equipment in the Nigerian Air Force inventory. This also translates to an operationally ready Air Force, which can be deployed to any theater at short notice, and sustained at a relatively low cost without depending solely on foreign Original Equipment Manufacture.  Aircraft down times are also reduced enabling the Nigerian Air Force to perform at its optimum efficiency. Our experience, so far, has shown that there are highly talented resource persons in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The sustenance of these successful partnerships with these institutions has had, and would continue to have positive impact on aircraft serviceability in the Nigerian Air Force. This would, in turn, enhance our ability to project air power towards contributing not only to the resolution of Nigeria’s current Internal Security challenges, but, security challenges within the West African Sub-region. Recently, NAF C-130H aircraft airlifted relief materials for victims of the mudslide disaster in Sierra Leone, while in the recent past, Nigerian Air Force air assets were deployed to Senegal as part of the Nigerian contingent of the Economic Community of West African States Military Intervention in Gambia (ECOMIG). This force provided the impetus that led to a quick and peaceful enforcement of the 1 December 2016 Election mandate in the Gambia. Apparently, what Nigeria needs is to successfully harness her rich human resource, appropriately motivate them, and mandate them to come up with the desired results.

​Ladies and gentlemen, the above notwithstanding, the story has not been entirely smooth and rosy. There have been some hiccups here and there, which are worth mentioning. I shall now briefly speak on the challenges encountered in the course of Research and Development efforts in the Nigerian Air Force.

CHALLENGES TO NIGERIAN AIR FORCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

​Research and Development needs to be fully evolved to ensure platform and equipment availability as well as serviceability to sustain the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability. However, several factors were observed to have mitigated against the achievement of the objectives of Research and Development projects in the Nigerian Air Force. The key challenges of Nigerian Air Force Research and Development are in the areas of funding, bureaucracy and inadequate capacity to design and construct new products. Others are low capacity to conduct fundamental research and low technological/ industrial base. I shall begin with funding.

FUNDING​

​Funding is a very critical factor in Research and Development as it is a high capital-intensive venture. Due to long gestation period required for Research and Development efforts to begin to yield tangible results, most financiers in our clime are often quick to dismiss it as a waste of time and financial resources. The Nigerian Air Force research and development initiative is not different as it had hardly been able to get private funding for its projects as is the case in some western air forces. However, because of the immense benefits that could be accruable from Research and Development, and its importance to the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Air Force has been able to achieve this much from its limited resources. It is therefore, imperative that budgetary provision be made for Nigerian Air Force Research and Development initiative to enable her embark on more in-depth research and development.

Next is

BUREAUCRACY

​Bureaucracy is another challenge to the Research and Development efforts of the Nigerian Air Force. Some of the Memoranda of Understanding signed between the Nigerian Air Force and some tertiary institutions and industries were subjected to tortuous bureaucracies and procedures which almost marred the progress of work. This resulted to unnecessary delays and loss of man-hours. Fortunately, the resilience, patience and commitment of the Nigerian Air Force team paid off at the end. I wish to advocate for more interactions between the defence and civil sectors to foster a closer working relationship. Additionally, there is a need for the review of some bureaucratic guidelines and regulations in view of the current drive towards the employment of local Research and Development effort for national development.

Now to

INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT NEW PRODUCTS

​The design and construction of new components, equipment or platforms is the ultimate task for an organization under research and development. While design and construction could be embarked upon from the scratch, however, it also could be undertaken using existing systems or sub-systems. The ability to achieve required functionality and safety while achieving economy is the guiding principle behind any design and construction. Recent Nigerian Air Force attempts in the design and construction of Remotely Piloted Aircraft and other equipment were seriously hampered due to inadequate facilities and required skills in the design and manufacturing of parts and components.

Akin to this challenge is

LOW CAPACITY TO CONDUCT FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

​The pinnacle of any research and development activity is the conduct of fundamental research. Aside from being costly, this type of research and development is the most involving and time consuming. Its results are radical and take some time to develop into a practical product. The Nigerian Air Force initial foray in research and development efforts were geared towards addressing particular maintenance problems, but, it later became necessary to research into new areas. However, the Nigerian Air Force does not have facilities for conducting fundamental research in most fields. This informed the move to involve tertiary institutions and the industrial sector through the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, so that they could avail us their expertise and the use of their facilities.

Lastly, is the challenge of

LOW TECHNOLOGICAL/INDUSTRIAL BASE

​The success of any Research and Development endeavour depends on the technological/industrial base of the country and the state of the economy.  This situation has made it difficult to get some intricate spares or expertise to solve some research and development needs. It is even more difficult to get the right industries with the requisite knowledge and equipment. The Air Force Research and Development Centre is sometimes compelled to resort to importing these parts or expertise from foreign consortiums as the only option thus, occasioning delays. These challenges notwithstanding, the Nigerian Air Force has achieved a lot through Research and Development and is looking forward to deriving more benefits from it. Let me acquaint you with some of our future deliverables.

FUTURE DELIVERABLES

​There are some ongoing Research and Development projects in the Nigerian Air Force, and those in collaboration with various local organizations while others are planned for the future. The projects are as shown on the screen:

a.​Production of RPAs through the use of indigenous technology for Nigerian Air Force operational use.

b.​Production of a prototype multi-role aircraft.

c.​Reverse engineering on most armament and associated equipment.

d.​Manufacturing of aircraft spares through indigenous technology.

e.​Design and production of a bullet resistance vest.

f.​Capacity development for rapid runway repair.

​We are mindful of the fact that the success of these ongoing and future Research and Development projects would depend a lot on the commitment of our personnel and our various partners. Nevertheless, the significance of political support cannot be overemphasized. We therefore solicit a continuation of the current support, which the Federal Government has been so generous in giving.

CONCLUSION

​The various feats achieved by the Nigerian Air Force through indigenous Research and Development efforts in collaboration with various Nigerian organizations and tertiary institutions have no doubt impacted positively on aircraft availability for diverse air operations, particularly in the ongoing counterinsurgency operations. Besides, the local innovations are assisting the Service to overcome total dependence on foreign vendors thereby reducing cost of equipment acquisition and maintenance. Herein lie the benefits of innovating locally in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

​Let me therefore, seize this opportunity to appreciate the numerous partners of the Nigerian Air Force, particularly our universities and polytechnics, in its quest for technological advancements and local innovations. I would equally like to commend their sense of patriotism, commitment and enthusiasm, in making the Nigerian Air Force to fly. We will not rest on our oars as we forge ahead with other ongoing and future Research and Development projects aimed at enhancing Nigerian Air Force operations and improving the lots of the Nation at large. We look forward to the take off of the Military Industrial Complex whose foundation we have laid by the laudable Research and Development efforts and collaboration with the industrial sector. We remain confident in the tremendous support we receive from President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. As our Research and Development efforts evolve, we are fully committed to bequeathing to the Nation, a technologically driven air force with capabilities to excel in the 21st Century.

​Thank you for listening and God bless.