The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it would continue to deploy emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to fight terrorism and other security threats in the country.

It also said it would improve its investment in state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity measures to ensure the security of its communications and information systems.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, said this at the opening ceremony of NAF’s Communications Information Systems (CIS) Conference in Abuja, on Wednesday, November 8.

He said artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are crucial in modern-day military operations, adding 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.”

Air Marshall Abubakar said the NAF’s ability to monitor Nigeria’s airspace through the implementation of military total radar coverage of Nigeria was critical to meeting airpower demands for national security.

NAF’s chief said: “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.”

Air Marshal Abubakar said the CIS would enable commanders to make informed decisions, coordinate forces and ultimately achieve mission objectives.

He said the theme of the Conference is, “Exploiting Emerging CIS Technologies for an Agile and Resilient NAF to Effectively Meet National Security Imperatives” aligned with his Command Philosophy, which he said 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 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 him, the presence of experienced senior officers as resource persons underscored the conference’s significance. He, therefore, urged participants to see the forum as an opportunity to positively impact NAF’s capabilities.

The NAF’s chief also called for deliberations to be guided by the theme in order to come up with innovative solutions.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Communication and Information Systems (CCIS), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said the 2-day event was aimed at exploring innovative CIS that would enhance NAF’s operational capabilities in addressing pressing national security imperatives. (The Nation)

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