The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Comp Air Aviation of USA to seal the partnership on production of multi-role light utility aircrafts. The Comp Air Aviation is an aircraft manufacturer company based in Florida, USA. Recall that in line with one of the key drivers of CAS vision on reinforcement of culture of self reliance and prudent management of resources, the NAF authroised a team of Research and Development to partner with 3 America aviation companies to embark on an in-house efforts production of light utility aircraft tagged ‘NAFSA Eagle aircraft’. Having excelled in the collaboration arrangement among the 3 companies, the NAF decided to sign a MoU with the Comp Air Aviation in order to have a legal framework under which the R & D collaborative effort will work.
Speaking during the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Mshl Sadique Abubakar said that the collaboration underscored the need to seek self-reliance through technology acquisition to develop indigenous capability for production of defence equipments. Further in his speech, Air Mshl Abubakar pointed out that the extant MoU with Comp Air Aviation and other international companies were geared towards tapping from their respective areas of expertise which is in tandem with the Nigerian Defence Policy. The CAS was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Mshl James Gbum.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Comp Air Aviation, Mr Ronald Lueck expressed delight over the collaboration arrangement and assured that his company would work assiduously with the NAF R & D team to achieve the set objectives. Mr Lueck noted that the future is bright for the NAF in its pursuit of technological self reliance noting that the Comp Air Aviation posses the requisite technological framework to support the vision. Mr Lueck was accompanied by the company Chief Financial Officer, Mr Paul Kosieracki.