By Linus Aleke
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Wednesday, harped on the use of artificial intelligence and other cutting edge technology in the prosecution of modern warfare.
Declaring open the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Communication Information Systems (CIS), Conference, 2023, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted that a deep focus on artificial intelligence can revolutionize how the Service process data, analyze information and make informed decisions in real-time, thereby giving them the edge they need to excel in theatres of operations around the country.
The CAS who was the Special Guest of honour at the conference, said that the NAF must seek out ways to improve investment in state-of- the-art encryption and cyber security measures, in order to ensure secure communications in the NAF.
This is even as the Chief of Communication Information System, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said, the CIS Conference 2023 is aimed at suggesting ways to deliver innovative Communication Information Systems technology-based solutions towards the accomplishment of the Nigerian Air Force Mission.
The CAS: “Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace and the landscape of modern warfare is evolving just as quickly. As we gather here to deliberate on pertinent issues, it is necessary to note that we are at the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence and
network-centric warfare. These elements are the driving forces that would shape the future of the NAF. Our ability to churn out ideas to harness the power of technology, will determine our success in
ensuring the highest levels of operational effectiveness and
efficiency”.
The CAS, also enjoined the NAF to look towards the principles of network-centric warfare, which comprise the ability to share data, collaborate seamlessly and coordinate operations across multiple platforms.
This, he said, would enable them build a
robust, interoperable network that connects all branches of the
military and allied partners.
“I am particularly pleased with the theme of this Conference which is ‘Exploiting Emerging CIS Technologies for an Agile and Resilient NAF to Effectively Meet National Security Imperatives’.
This is because it corresponds with my Command Philosophy, 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.’ We must be guided by this theme in our deliberations in order to come up with innovative solutions. We must also note that the positioning of the NAF to meet the airpower demands of national security is critically hinged on our ability to monitor our airspace through the implementation of military total radar coverage of Nigeria. This is a goal we have been tirelessly pursuing and it remains a vital objective until it is achieved,” he concluded.
Earlier in his remark, the Chief of Communication Information System, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said, the core derivative of the
conference is geared towards improving capacity of Communication Information Systems personnel as well as
reinvigorating Communications Information System-based procedures with a view to enhancing Nigerian Air Force operational effectiveness.
In order to achieve the foregoing objectives, Daramola said, the
conference brought together NAF CIS practitioners as well as other stakeholders, from within and outside the Service, to critically deliberate on pertinent Communication Information Systems issues and proffer ways forward.
This, he said, is with a view to repositioning the NAF Communication
Information Systems specialties for better performance in support of NAF operations in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy.
