The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its ambition to emerge as a key player in global air and space power, making a remarkable showing at the prestigious Aerospace Power Conference 2025, held from May 8 to 9 at the La Nuvola Convention Centre in Rome, Italy.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the NAF delegation was led by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal Michael Abidoye. The team joined over 1,500 delegates—including air force chiefs, aerospace experts, and international policymakers—to chart the future of air combat under the theme, “Fighting and Winning in the Sky Beyond the Next Decade.”
Hosted by the Italian Air Force in partnership with the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), the two-day conference provided a strategic platform to address issues ranging from space security and artificial intelligence to autonomous platforms and integrated combat systems.
Nigeria’s prominent participation signalled its rising profile on the global stage, with the NAF articulating a vision aligned with cutting-edge innovation and global best practices. The message was clear: Nigeria is moving beyond the role of a regional actor to become an active contributor in shaping the evolution of 21st-century air power.
Central to this drive is the Command Philosophy of Air Marshal Abubakar, which prioritises strategic foresight, enhanced partnerships, and operational excellence. Under his leadership, the NAF continues to modernise its fleet, deepen interoperability, and strengthen international alliances as part of broader efforts to reinforce collective security.
Through active engagement and knowledge exchange at the conference, the NAF showcased its growing capabilities and reaffirmed its readiness to confront emerging security threats with agility, innovation, and resilience.
As global security dynamics evolve, the NAF’s participation in the Rome conference reflects its determination not only to adapt but to lead in developing the future of air and space power—both across the African continent and in the broader international arena.