The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar says, for the Nigerian Airforce (NAF), to ensure the security of its communications, it must improve on its investment in state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity measures.
Edward Gabkwet, spokesperson of the NAF, said Abubakar stated this during the opening ceremony of the NAF Communications Information Systems (CIS) Conference held at its headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
He also noted the importance of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies in modern-day military operations, stressing that the ability of the NAF to harness the power of technology will determine its success in ensuring the highest levels of operational effectiveness and efficiency.
According to him “a deep focus on artificial intelligence can revolutionize how we process data, analyze information, and make informed decisions in real-time, thereby giving us the edge we need to excel in theatres of operations around the country”.
Speaking at the conference with the theme, “Exploiting Emerging CIS Technologies for an Agile and Resilient NAF to Effectively Meet National Security Imperatives’, the CAS noted that it aligned with his Command Í, which is ‘to transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.’
He said positioning the NAF to meet the airpower demands of national security is critically hinged on NAF’s ability to monitor Nigeria’s airspace through the implementation of military total radar coverage of Nigeria.
Air Marshal Abubakar stressed the essential role of CIS in enabling commanders to make informed decisions, coordinate forces and ultimately achieve mission objectives.
He then underlined NAF’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, aligning with one of the key enablers of his Command Philosophy’s of “prioritizing R&D, leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and lessons learned.”
He added that the Conference underscores the NAF’s dedication to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare through the effective use of emerging CIS technologies. According to the CAS, the presence of experienced senior officers as resource persons underscored the conference’s significance and went on to encourage participants to see the forum as an opportunity to positively impact NAF’s capabilities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Communication and Information Systems (CCIS), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola noted that the 2-day Conference aimed at exploring innovative CIS that would enhance NAF’s operational capabilities in addressing pressing national security imperatives.
Airforce chief: NAF must improve on its investment in state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity measures
