In a move to bolster military cooperation, the Nigerian and Egyptian Air Forces have pledged enhanced collaboration, particularly in pilot training and maintenance of Alpha Jet aircraft. This agreement was solidified on September 4, 2024, during a meeting between Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and Egypt’s Lieutenant General Mahmoud Foaad Abd El-Gawad in Cairo.
According to a statement released by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, the two Air Chiefs acknowledged the rich history of collaboration between their forces. The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has trained approximately 50 Nigerian pilots over the years, and both leaders agreed to expand this cooperation to further strengthen ties. One key focus area is to leverage Egypt’s capacity for Research and Development (R&D) in overhauling Nigeria’s Alpha Jet fleet.
The Egyptian Air Force will send a team of specialists to Nigeria to assess the Alpha Jets. This initiative aims to bring the aircraft up to date and enhance the NAF’s tactical capabilities, with in-house pilot training also on the agenda to ensure operational proficiency.
During his stay in Egypt, Air Marshal Abubakar attended the Egypt International Air Show at El-Alamein International Airport. He held discussions with key aerospace manufacturers, including Czech company Aero Vodochody Aerospace, producers of the L-39NG trainer aircraft, which is currently in the Nigerian Air Force’s inventory. He also met with CATIC, the Chinese firm behind the Wing Loong Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, and Ariegsa, an Egyptian defense systems integrator.
Egypt has long been recognized for its technical expertise in maintaining Alpha Jets, and its industry recently received a significant boost. At the Egypt International Airshow, the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) was certified by Safran Aircraft Engines, a leading French aerospace firm, to maintain Larzac engines, which power Alpha Jets. AOI’s engine shop, located in Helwan, Egypt, is now authorized to conduct maintenance, repair, and overhaul of these engines.
The Nigerian Air Force, meanwhile, has been conducting Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) on its Alpha Jet fleet since 2021, enhancing its air power capabilities in combating insurgency. Additionally, the French company Sofema has been involved in refurbishing the Alpha Jets and supplying ejection seats for NAF aircraft.
Looking ahead, Nigeria is set to receive 24 M-346 Master aircraft from Italian firm Leonardo in a €1.2 billion deal. These advanced jets will replace Nigeria’s aging Dassault Alpha Jet fleet, ensuring that the NAF remains equipped to meet modern challenges.
