By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command (TAC), AVM Francis Edosa, has revealed that the continuous conduct of research and development will help in resolving most of the challenges confronting the Air Force.
Edosa, represented by the Chief of Staff, TAC, AVM EmekaAshiegbu, made the disclosure in Makurdi at a one-day Intra Command Research and Development Competition over the weekend.
He explained that through research the service had deployed several platforms to quell crises in most troubled parts of the country, adding that it also builds the capacity and enhances service delivery.
The AOC further explained that in the military industry, research involves the continuous development and upgrading of prototypes of new military systems without necessarily going into full scale development or production.
Edosa said that the competition “is germane to our effectiveness as a service and imperative to the myriad of security challenges confronting our country.”
He charged participants to contribute meaningfully at the competition to improve the service.
The Guest of Honour at the occasion, Air Commodore Albert Bot, charged them to contribute their quota through research and development to advance the service to greater technological heights.
He said such contributions would help in curbing the menace of insurgency faced in most parts of the country.
Bot commended the Air Force for the application of air power in joint and interagency counter insurgency operations, which he attributed to modest outcomes in research and technology.
He said through research and development, crisis had been brought down speedily across many troubled parts of the country.
He also commended the Federal Government (FG) for having deep interest in research and the promotion of local content.