Air Commodore HS Coomber, Chief of Air Staf
Expo Magazine
By Air Commodore HS Coomber, Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
As the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) commemorates the first 100 days of its Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Amara Idara Bangura, the Sierra Leone Air Force reflects on a bold new trajectory for national security and development. At the heart of this journey lies the 5-Year Strategic Plan for the Sierra Leone Air Force (SLAF) 2025 – 2030, a blueprint to elevate the SLAF from a fledgling force into a guardian of national sovereignty, regional stability, and civilian welfare. Under the CDS’s stewardship, this vision is already gaining momentum, marking a historic leap toward securing Sierra Leone’s skies and future.
A New Dawn for National Security
Sierra Leone’s strategic location along West Africa’s Atlantic coast places it at the crossroads of opportunity and vulnerability. Emerging threats from transnational crime to climate-induced disasters – demand agile, technology-driven defence capabilities. Yet, as the CDS affirmed in his inaugural address, “A nation’s strength lies not in its challenges, but in its resolve to rise above them.” The SLAF’s strategic plan embodies this resolve, addressing critical gaps in surveillance, rapid response, and regional collaboration.
In just 100 days, foundational steps have been taken: engagement with international partners to secure training programs, preliminary site assessments for new airbases in Lungi and Hastings, and dialogues with allied nations to accelerate fleet modernization. These efforts signal the CDS’s commitment to transforming the SLAF into a force that not only deters threats but also safeguards livelihoods through medical evacuations, disaster relief, and environmental protection.
Pillars of Progress: The Strategic Plan Unveiled
The SLAF’s roadmap is structured around three phases, each designed to build capacity without overextending limited resources:
- Phase 1 (2025–2026): Laying the Foundation. The following are considered:
- Infrastructure. Construction of an operational base and maintenance facility has commenced at Hastings Airfield.
- Workforce Recruitment drives target skilled youth, while partnerships with Nigeria, Egypt, United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) and other allies will train at least 60 personnel in aviation, engineering and logistics.
- Fleet. Negotiations are underway to acquire light fixed wing aircraft through Public Private Partnership; and drones for maritime domain and border surveillance – an urgent need to combat illegal fishing and trafficking.
- Phase 2 (2027–2028): Strengthening Capabilities. Advanced ISR hub will enhance situational awareness, while attack helicopters and long-endurance drones will bolster ISR efforts. Joint exercises with regional forces, will refine interoperability.
- Phase 3 (2029–2030): Full Readiness. By 2030, the SLAF aims to achieve 24/7 airspace monitoring, deploy integrated air defence systems, and take part in UN/AU-mandated peacekeeping missions. A National Air Rescue Coordination Centre will institutionalize disaster response, linking military and civilian agencies.
Leadership in Action: The First 100 Days
The CDS’s tenure began with a clear mandate: to translate ambition into action. Early achievements include:
- Partnerships Secured: Draft Memoranda of Understanding with Raven Charter Services for technical training and equipment.
- Transparency Measures: Establishment of a Strategic Implementation Committee to oversee progress, ensuring accountability through audits.
“This plan is not just about aircraft; it’s about people,” CDS Major General Amara Idara Bangura remarked during a recent inspection of the future SLAF Academy site. “We are building a culture of excellence that will endure for generations.”
A Force for Peace and Prosperity
Beyond defence, the SLAF’s evolution underscores its role as a socio-economic enabler. Aerial surveying, airlifting vaccines to remote communities, and supporting anti-piracy operations illustrate how airpower intersects with national development. If Sierra Leone confronts climate change and health crises, the SLAF’s dual mandate – to protect and serve – will be indispensable.
Conclusion: Soaring Toward 2030
The first 100 days have set a precedent for urgency and innovation. By 2030, the SLAF aims to stand as a beacon of regional security, capable of thwarting threats while uplifting communities. For CDS Major General Amara Idara Bangura, this milestone is a testament to collaboration: “Our progress rests on the dedication of our personnel, the support of our partners, and the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people.”
As the strategic plan takes flight, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to a stable, sovereign future – one where its Air Force not only defends the nation but elevates its aspirations. The journey has begun, and the skies ahead are full of promise.
Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine, March-April 2025 Edition Vol.3, No.3, (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)