African Air Forces deepen cooperation, target stronger continental security

n n

The Association of African Air Forces has intensified efforts to deepen cooperation among African air forces and strengthen the continent’s collective response to shared air and security challenges.

n

The Association disclosed this in a statement by its Public Affairs Officer, Squadron Leader Olayinka Lawal, on Wednesday, following a high-level Planning Conference held from August 31 to September 4, 2026, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

n

According to the statement, the conference brought together members of the AAAF Permanent Secretariat, AAAF Exercise 2027 planners, liaison officers, working-group representatives and subject-matter experts from the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces and USAFE-AFAFRICA.

n

The statement said the deliberations focused on developing the AAAF as a more effective, sustainable and responsive platform for cooperation among African Air Forces.

n

“The Association of African Air Forces has taken significant steps towards strengthening continental airpower cooperation, institutional continuity and strategic engagement following a high-level Planning Conference held from 31 August to 4 September 2026 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

n

Hosted by USAFE-AFAFRICA, the conference brought together members of the AAAF Permanent Secretariat (PS), AAAF Exercise (AAAFEX) 2027 planners, Liaison Officers, working-group representatives and invited subject-matter experts, including representatives from the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces (SICOFAA) and USAFE-AFAFRICA.

n

At the core of the deliberations was the need to further develop AAAF as a more effective, sustainable and responsive platform for cooperation among African Air Forces. Participants reviewed and advanced updates to the AAAF Procedures Manual and Strategic Plan 2027–2034, while developing a three-year roadmap to guide the Association’s activities towards AAAFEX 2029.

n

“A major focus of the conference was the strengthening of the Association’s strategic communication capability. Deliberations examined how AAAF can establish a coordinated digital presence, develop a consistent narrative and messaging framework, strengthen multilingual communication in English, French and Portuguese, and improve engagement with member Air Forces, governments, strategic partners, media and other stakeholders, “the statement partly read.

n

The statement said the measures were aimed at improving engagement with “member Air Forces, governments, strategic partners, media and other stakeholders.”

n

It added that representatives of the Women, Peace and Security and Senior Enlisted forums also engaged with the Permanent Secretariat to strengthen communication and collaboration among the various working groups.

n

On institutional continuity, the Association said the introduction of dedicated Public Affairs and Continuity Manager positions within the Permanent Secretariat would help in “preserving institutional knowledge, improving coordination and ensuring that AAAF initiatives remain sustainable beyond individual office holders.”

n

The participation of SICOFAA representatives further enabled the African Air Forces to examine established practices in multilateral military cooperation and identify those that could be adapted to the African context.

n

The statement said the exchanges reinforced “the value of institutional learning and the Association’s commitment to developing practical, African-led mechanisms for enhanced cooperation.”

n n