A major diplomatic and defence milestone was achieved as a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation, led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, concluded a high-level visit to China. This strategic mission, driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, focused on accelerating the Military Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (MTRACON) project and deepening bilateral cooperation in advanced defence technologies.
The delegation’s itinerary included visits to major Chinese cities—Beijing, Hefei, Nanjing, and Xi’an—where officials engaged top defence and aerospace firms, notably the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). These interactions included detailed technical briefings and live demonstrations of cutting-edge systems such as the JY-11 radar, Command and Control platforms, the Sky Dragon Weapon System, and High-Energy Laser Counter-UAV solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Kabir Usman commended the technological advancements demonstrated by Chinese defence partners. “The ongoing collaboration will not only ensure the success of the MTRACON project but also its long-term sustainability,” he said. Plans are underway for structured training of NAF cadets, technology transfer initiatives, and the establishment of a Radar Maintenance and Research Facility in Nigeria—components designed to ensure local capability development and operational resilience.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, this visit is a clear signal of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to securing its airspace, combating transnational crimes, and leveraging international partnerships for defence modernization. MTRACON, when fully operational, will enable real-time surveillance across Nigeria’s airspace—an essential tool in the fight against the aerial trafficking of arms, illicit mining, and other airborne criminal operations often conducted via helicopters in remote regions.
The impact of this system is expected to be far-reaching. With improved airspace visibility, the Nigerian government aims to disrupt the shadow networks profiting from national insecurity and resource exploitation. “This is more than just defence enhancement,” a senior NAF official stated. “It’s a transformational step toward protecting our economy, restoring investor confidence, and securing the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.”
By embracing advanced technology and international collaboration, the Tinubu administration continues to position Nigeria as a forward-thinking nation in the realm of air defence and national security. The success of the MTRACON initiative marks a pivotal move toward self-reliance in military innovation and sustained national stability.
