Weapons Alone Don’t Win Wars, Says Air Chief

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has reaffirmed that transformation, innovation, and the will to fight remain the foundation of military effectiveness across the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

Delivering the keynote address at the Third Quarter 2025 Defence Headquarters and Services Transformation Seminar in Abuja on Thursday, Abubakar declared that while modern technology and welfare are critical, intangible assets such as loyalty, resilience, and unit cohesion ultimately determine victory on the battlefield.

The event, themed “Galvanizing the Will to Fight: Issues and Transformative Solutions for the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, was held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters.

It brought together senior defence officials, officers, and participants from across the services to chart strategies for deepening operational effectiveness.

The Air Chief stressed that the “will to fight” goes beyond superior firepower, and described it as a blend of psychological stability, physical fitness, ideological conviction, and confidence in leadership.

Quoting German military strategist General Erwin Rommel, he noted, “The best form of welfare for troops is first-class training.”

“Our personnel deployed across all six geopolitical zones remain steadfast in restoring peace, law, and order. But beyond weapons and welfare, morale and cohesion remain the cornerstones of victory,” Abubakar said.

He stated that the seminar would allow participants to explore transformative strategies that would not only sustain operational gains but also build resilience for the future.

Highlighting NAF’s strides in innovation, Air Marshal Abubakar announced the revival of the Nigerian Air Force Surveillance Aircraft (NAFSA) Eagle Project — a light, multi-role utility aircraft designed to boost self-reliance in aerospace technology.

According to him, the project reflects the service’s broader commitment to domestic innovation and its long-term vision to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry.

“We have strengthened the application of airpower in joint operations while upscaling training to boost innovation. Today, we are resuscitating the NAFSA Eagle Project to enhance self-reliance in aerospace technology and advance domestic aviation capacity,” the CAS said.

He also revealed that personnel who proffer innovative solutions through research and development would continue to receive incentives to encourage creativity across the Service.

The CAS identified welfare as a central enabler of the will to fight, pointing to new housing projects across NAF bases, upgraded medical facilities, comprehensive insurance coverage, and improved logistics support.

He disclosed that within the last year, over 70 new vehicles were procured to strengthen operations and administration, while full kitting of personnel and institutionalised fitness initiatives have enhanced physical readiness.

“These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that our personnel remain mentally, physically, and morally prepared for assigned tasks,” he stressed.

Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal A.H. Amesinlola, praised participants for their dedication to driving reforms within the AFN.

He said the seminar provided a vital platform for collaboration, intellectual exchange, and the design of innovative approaches to Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for consistently equipping the military with modern platforms and creating an enabling environment for security operations.

“We thank Mr. President for his support. This seminar is another milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen national defence. I urge participants to deliberate productively and deliver outcomes that will consolidate the will to fight,” he said.