The Cana military aviation school (EAM-Cana), nestled within the Cana air base, plays a pivotal role in sharpening the aeronautical skills of Benin’s armed forces. It delivers training in piloting, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and technical support. Its classrooms, flight simulators, workshops, and innovation spaces are designed to equip military personnel for the air force’s expanding needs. The institution also contributes to training the 100 drone pilots recruited by the general staff.
Why the defence minister’s visit matters
On Friday, October 9, 2026, the minister delegate for national defence, Gildas Habib Bignon Agonkan, traveled to Cana for a working visit. This trip allowed him to assess the school’s capabilities, engage with its leadership, and understand the requirements of the training units stationed at the base. The visit was not a routine inspection; it signaled a deeper look into how Benin can reduce its reliance on foreign training and build a self-sufficient aviation force.
The context behind the inspection
Accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Olayéni Thierry Monda, commander of the Cana air base, the minister attended presentations on the missions, equipment, and challenges facing several military structures. These included the 1st Mixed Artillery Battalion, the National Officers’ School, and the Peacekeeping Operations Training Center. The discussions highlighted the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades and modern training tools, revealing that the school’s growth is constrained by aging facilities and limited resources.
What the delegation observed on the ground
The delegation then toured the EAM-Cana’s teaching and technical facilities, including classrooms, flight simulators, and maintenance workshops. A reconnaissance drone demonstration, piloted by military trainees, was also staged. The visit concluded with an inspection of the airfield’s runway, which base officials say no longer meets current standards and operational needs due to its deteriorating condition. This runway issue underscores a broader challenge: without adequate infrastructure, even the best training programs cannot fully deliver.
The strategic ambition behind the visit
At the end of the immersion, Gildas Agonkan commended the command’s efforts and the dedication of instructors and trainees. He stressed the importance of training pilots and technicians domestically to strengthen Benin’s autonomy in military aeronautics. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the school’s development. The stated ambition is to transform EAM-Cana into a sub-regional reference hub. Achieving this will require investments in infrastructure, equipment, and teaching resources to meet the growing demands of aeronautical training.
What lies beneath the surface
This visit brought to light the underlying dynamics of Benin’s push for aerial sovereignty. The school’s evolution is not merely about hardware; it reflects a strategic shift toward self-reliance in defence. By focusing on domestic training, Benin aims to reduce dependency on external partners and build a sustainable pipeline of skilled personnel. The challenges—aging runways, equipment shortages—are symptoms of a broader need for sustained investment. The government’s willingness to address these issues will determine whether EAM-Cana can truly become a regional cornerstone.
Through this visit, authorities are highlighting the role of specialized training in modernizing Benin’s armed forces. The development of EAM-Cana thus emerges as a key issue of aerial sovereignty.