The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and self-reliance with the commencement of the 2026 Intra-Command Research and Development (R&D) Competition by the Air Training Command (ATC).

The Chief of Transformation and Innovation, AVM Muhammad Ibrahim, made this known at the opening  of the competition on Thursday in Kaduna.

Ibrahim said the annual competition was introduced by the NAF Headquarters to promote a culture of innovation critical to achieving self-reliance in air operations.

He said the initiative aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, which emphasises innovation, emerging technologies, inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnerships.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it. In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving global threats, the ability to adapt and innovate is essential,” he said.

He noted that in the past 15 years, NAF R&D efforts had produced innovations such as the Mi-35 helicopter diaphragm, Alpha Jet heat shields, and locally developed rocket ammunition and launchers.

According to him, some of these innovations have been deployed in operational theatres, significantly enhancing the service’s capabilities.

Ibrahim added that ATC had also recorded successes, including the reactivation of obsolete test benches and development of new ones for platforms like the Dornier-228 aircraft.

He said the competition would showcase ideas capable of addressing current operational challenges while preparing participants for the NAF R&D Exhibition scheduled for May as part of the 2026 NAF Day celebrations.

The AVM urged participants to give their best, noting that the theme, “Optimising Emerging Technologies for Enhancing Air Operations,” highlights the importance of collaboration among academia, industry and research institutions.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding ATC, AVM Esen Efanga, described the competition as a vital platform for generating solutions to operational and maintenance challenges.

Efanga said the NAF, as a highly technical service, places a premium on research and development, adding that the exercise would also serve as preparation for the forthcoming NAF R&D Exhibition.

“It is imperative for the Nigerian Air Force to deploy innovative knowledge and skills to address its peculiar challenges, particularly in platform serviceability and adaptability,” he said.

He commended participating units for their commitment and urged them to learn from one another, stressing that the exercise should be seen as a collaborative effort.

Efanga also appreciated external assessors from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) for ensuring objective evaluation of the projects and thanked the Chief of the Air Staff for providing an enabling environment for innovation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 433 Engineering Group, Kainji, emerged overall winner with its project on an upgraded Alpha Jet Voltage Regulator Adjustment Electronic Box.

The 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group, Enugu, came second with its project on the design and construction of an A28V DC bus monitoring test bench for aircraft electrical systems, while the NAF Central Avionics Overhaul and Calibration Centre Kaduna emerged third with its Dornier-228 Electrical System Trainer/Fault Simulator.

NAN reports that the competition which features innovative projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the NAF’s drive toward self-reliance drew participants from various ATC units, including the 401 Flying Training School (FTS) Kaduna, 403 Flying Training School Kano, 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group (HCTG) Enugu, 407 Air Combat Training Group (ACTG) Kainji, 413 Force Protection Group (FPG) Kaduna, 431 Engineering Group Kaduna and 433 Engineering Group Kainji.

Others are the 441 Communication and Information System Group Kaduna, 453 Base Services Group Kaduna, 461 NAF Hospital Kaduna, 465 NAF Hospital Kano, Air Traffic Services Training Centre Kaduna, NAF Central Avionics Overhaul and Calibration Centre Kaduna, NAF School of Air Intelligence Makurdi and NAF Institute of Safety Ipetu-Ijesha.