The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, stressed the importance of research and development in enhancing military capabilities and ensuring national security.
Speaking at the Defence Research and Development Bureau’s (DRDB) inaugural seminar and exhibition on Tuesday in Abuja, Musa highlighted the need for synergy among key players to develop indigenous equipment support.
Musa emphasised that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cyber warfare required investment to maintain military readiness.
He commended the military’s induction of research innovations and engineering in various theatres of operation.
“Given the level of involvement of the armed forces in security operations, developing indigenous equipment support has become increasingly crucial.
“A military industrial complex, comprising government agencies, research institutions, manufacturers, defence contractors, and other key players, is vital for national security.
“This complex harnesses expertise and innovative capacity to give the armed forces a comparative advantage against threats in various theatres of operation,” he said.
The CDS noted that military innovation history was replete with examples of research and development transforming warfare, from nuclear weapons to precision-guided munitions.
He said that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned aerial systems have taken centre stage, and investments in these areas were critical for maintaining military readiness and staying ahead of adversaries.
According to the CDS, the military is witnessing commendable induction of research innovations and engineering across the country.
“I look forward to a framework that will provide insight into how the military industrial complex can strengthen military operational effectiveness in our evolving security landscape.
“We assure that the armed forces will continue to discharge their responsibilities professionally and efficiently, with sophisticated and precision-guided platforms.”
The Director General of DRDB, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Ndagi, highlighted the defence sector’s global reputation for impactful inventions, including the Internet, unmanned vehicles, vaccines, and satellites.
“However, over-reliance on imported military hardware undermines national security and restricts local content development.”
Ndagi emphasised the importance of indigenous innovative technologies, conducting talent hunts and identification programmes to prevent skilled personnel from being recruited by malicious entities.
“DRDB has taken steps to enhance the military industrial complex, driven by contemporary security needs.
“The seminar aims to explore building an effective ecosystem for a robust military industrial complex in Nigeria.”
By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA