Odita Sunday 
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has stepped up defence diplomacy efforts aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit to the Czech Republic.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS said the visit, held from 23–24 February 2026, was part of efforts to deepen global partnerships and strengthen training and sustainment frameworks.
During talks with officials of Aero Vodochody Aerospace, Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s longstanding collaboration with the company, particularly regarding the overhaul and upgrade of the L-39ZA Albatros aircraft used for pilot training.
“Our partnership is anchored not only on platforms but on building institutional capacity and technical competence that will endure,” the CAS was quoted as saying.
The discussions also addressed the NAF’s transition plan from the L-39ZA to the more advanced L-39 Skyfox platform, designed to support modern air operations.
Ejodame stated that the CAS emphasised the need for a phased modernisation process to sustain training output and operational readiness.
The CAS also held high-level engagements with the Czech Air Force to explore collaboration in simulator training, logistics and rotary- and fixed-wing operations.
The Czech Air Force Commander described the meeting as “a meaningful step towards deepening military cooperation.”
The statement added that the visit included interactions with defence export stakeholders on emerging aviation technologies, including simulators and unmanned aerial systems.
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