Boureima Amadou
Why Benin’s defence minister inspected Cana’s military flight school
Minister of Defence Gildas Habib Bignon Agonkan conducted an on-site assessment of the École aéronautique militaire de Cana (EAM-Cana) on Friday, 9 October 2026. The working visit allowed him to evaluate training programmes, technical facilities and infrastructure readiness for current and future military aviation needs. The inspection follows rising demand for qualified pilots, drone operators and maintenance technicians within the Beninese Armed Forces.
Guided tour reveals strengths and urgent gaps
Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Olayéni Thierry Monda welcomed the minister and led a comprehensive tour of the base. The delegation examined classrooms, flight simulators, workshops and operational units, including the First Mixed Artillery Battalion, the National Officer Academy and the Peacekeeping Operations Training Centre. A live demonstration by student drone operators showcased the school’s expanding technical curriculum.
However, the walk-through also highlighted critical infrastructure shortfalls. The ageing runway at Cana Air Base no longer meets modern safety and operational standards, according to base officials. Inadequate hangar space and limited simulator capacity were also noted as barriers to scaling pilot training programmes.
Minister pledges stronger support to secure aerial autonomy
Following the review, Minister Agonkan praised the dedication of instructors and trainees, emphasising the strategic importance of national-level aviation training for Benin’s defence posture. He reaffirmed government commitment to upgrading the EAM-Cana into a sub-regional training hub, citing the school’s role in reducing dependence on foreign training and bolstering the Beninese Air Force’s operational reach.
Key upgrades identified include expanded runway repairs, new maintenance hangars, enhanced flight simulators and updated curricula to align with international aviation safety protocols. These investments aim to accommodate the growing class of 100 military drone pilots already in training and to prepare future generations of Beninese aviators.
What’s next for Benin’s aerial defence ambitions
Upgrading the EAM-Cana is positioned as a cornerstone of Benin’s push for aerial sovereignty. By boosting local training capacity, the country seeks to meet rising defence demands without relying on external partners. Long-term plans foresee the school attracting regional military and civilian aviation students, positioning Benin as a centre of excellence in West African military aviation education.
