The Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, has lauded the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its professionalism, innovation, and operational excellence, describing it as a shining example of Africa’s growing airpower capability.
Mbambo gave the commendation during an official visit to the Headquarters Tactical Air Command (TAC) in Makurdi, Benue State, on Monday, October 28, 2025.
According to a statement shared on NAF’s official X handle on Wednesday, the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and promoting regional airpower synergy between Nigeria and South Africa.
“The Nigerian Air Force has demonstrated remarkable professionalism and growth, reflecting Africa’s capacity to develop its own airpower solutions,” Mbambo said. “Collaboration between our Air Forces is vital to building a safer and more secure continent.”
The SAAF Chief, who was accompanied by NAF’s Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, was received by the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, and other senior officers.
During the visit, Mbambo received a detailed briefing on the Command’s structure, capabilities, and contributions to Nigeria’s air defence, counter-insurgency operations, and internal security missions.
Air Vice Marshal Obeya described the visit as a testament to “the enduring friendship and professional solidarity between two leading Air Forces on the African continent.”
He added that the engagement would open new frontiers in joint training, indigenous technology collaboration, and coordinated operations to address emerging security challenges across Africa.
The visit also featured static and aerial displays by NAF pilots and engineers at the 131 Engineering Group, highlighting the Force’s technical capacity and readiness.
Both Air Forces reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing peace, stability, and sustainable defence cooperation across the continent through innovation and strategic collaboration.
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