NAF GRADUATES PIONEER DSA UAV OPERATORS, STRENGTHENS JOINT INTELLIGENCE CAPABILITY

NAF GRADUATES PIONEER DSA UAV OPERATORS, STRENGTHENS JOINT INTELLIGENCE CAPABILITY

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another milestone in joint capacity development with the graduation of the pioneer Defence Space Agency (DSA) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Flying Course 1/2026 at 401 Flying Training School (401 FTS), Kaduna. Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Training, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, commended 401 FTS for its sustained contribution to aviation training over five decades, describing the course as a practical demonstration of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy, particularly the focus on “Standardized Training and Mission-Focused Capacity Development.” He urged the School to sustain realistic, relevant and technology-responsive training while charging the graduands to uphold professionalism, safety and discipline.

Representing the Chief of Defence Space Administration, the Deputy Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal John Laoye, highlighted the growing strategic importance of UAVs in modern security operations. He noted that the capability provides timely surveillance and enhanced situational awareness to support commanders’ decision-making, while emphasising the importance of professionally trained personnel in maximising its operational value. He also advocated sustained collaboration between the DSA and NAF in developing the human capacity required to effectively employ emerging technologies in support of national security.

The graduation marks a significant step in strengthening NAF–DSA synergy and advancing Nigeria’s indigenous capacity in unmanned aviation. It further demonstrates the NAF’s commitment to standardised training, innovation and mission-focused capability development, while deepening inter-agency cooperation to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of ongoing counter-insurgency and joint security operations across the country.

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