Benin’s push to build a self-reliant air force took centre stage on Friday, October 9, 2026, when the minister delegate for national defence, Gildas Habib Bignon Agonkan, arrived at the Cana Air Base for a working visit to the Military Aeronautics School (EAM-Cana).
Established within the Cana Air Base, EAM-Cana develops aeronautical skills for Benin’s armed forces. Its programmes cover piloting, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control and technical support. The school’s classrooms, flight simulators, workshops and innovation spaces are geared towards preparing military personnel for the growing demands of the air force. The institution also takes part in training the 100 drone pilots recruited by the General Staff.
What the minister saw on the ground
Lieutenant-Colonel Olayéni Thierry Monda, commander of the Cana Air Base, welcomed the minister, who then attended a series of briefings on the missions, equipment and operational challenges facing military structures based there. These included the 1st Mixed Artillery Battalion, the National Officers School and the Peacekeeping Operations Training Centre.
The delegation subsequently toured EAM-Cana’s teaching and technical facilities, including classrooms, flight simulators and maintenance workshops. A reconnaissance drone demonstration, flown by trainee military personnel, was also staged.
Runway condition raises concerns
The visit concluded with an inspection of the aerodrome’s landing strip. According to base officials, the runway’s ageing condition no longer meets current standards and operational requirements — a point that underscores the infrastructure gap the school must address as it expands.
Training at home, sovereignty in the air
At the end of the immersion, Gildas Agonkan commended the command’s work and the commitment of instructors and trainees. He stressed the importance of training pilots and technicians on national soil in order to strengthen Benin’s autonomy in military aeronautics.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to support the school’s development. The stated ambition is to turn EAM-Cana into a benchmark hub for the sub-region. Reaching that goal will require investment in infrastructure, equipment and teaching resources, particularly to meet the rising standards of aeronautical training.
Through this visit, the authorities are highlighting the role of specialised training in the modernisation of Benin’s armed forces. The expansion of EAM-Cana is emerging as a key issue of air sovereignty.