Air Force Chief, Hasan Bala hosts CATIC chair, seeks stronger Nigeria-China defence ties

The Chief of the Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Hasan Bala Abubakar, has hosted the Chairman of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), Liu Yu, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting focused on strengthening existing defence collaboration between Nigeria and China, particularly in the areas of air capability development, logistics support, and technology transfer.

Discussions also centred on improving the performance of CATIC-supplied platforms and consolidating ongoing joint projects.

This was disclosed in a statement shared via NAF’s X handle, on Thursday.

The statement reads:

“In a deliberate step to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and advance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, on 25 June 2025, received the Chairman of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), Mr. Liu Yu, at Headquarters NAF, Abuja.

“The visit focused on consolidating ongoing projects, optimising the performance of CATIC-supplied platforms, and expanding cooperation in critical areas such as air capability development, logistics support, and technology transfer. Accompanied by CATIC’s Vice President, Mr. Li Houding, the Chinese delegation engaged in strategic discussions that reaffirmed a shared commitment to sustainable, mutually beneficial defence cooperation.

“As the NAF continues its modernisation drive, partnerships like that with CATIC are pivotal in building strategic autonomy, bolstering national defence, and projecting airpower effectively across all domains.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>