The École aéronautique militaire de Cana (EAM-Cana), nestled within the Cana air base, has reached a decisive moment in its development. On Friday 9 October 2026, the minister delegate for national defence, Gildas Habib Bignon Agonkan, arrived for a working visit that signals a major shift in Benin’s approach to military aviation training. This immersion marked a turning point: the government is now openly committing to transforming the school into a sub-regional reference hub, a move that could redefine the country’s air sovereignty.
A school at the heart of Benin’s aeronautical ambitions
EAM-Cana plays a central role in building the aeronautical skills of the Beninese armed forces. Its programmes cover piloting, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control and technical support. Classrooms, flight simulators, workshops and innovation spaces are all designed to prepare military personnel for the growing demands of the air force. The institution is also involved in training the 100 drone pilots recruited by the general staff.
The minister’s visit: assessing capabilities and needs
During his visit, Gildas Agonkan toured the school’s facilities, spoke with its leadership and gained firsthand insight into the requirements of the training units based at the air base. He was received by Lieutenant-Colonel Olayéni Thierry Monda, commander of the Cana air base, and attended several presentations on the missions, equipment and challenges faced by military structures. These included the 1st Mixed Artillery Battalion, the National Officers’ School and the Peacekeeping Operations Training Centre.
Hands-on exposure to training tools
The delegation then inspected EAM-Cana’s teaching and technical infrastructure, including classrooms, flight simulators and maintenance workshops. A reconnaissance drone demonstration, flown by military students in training, was also staged. The visit concluded with an inspection of the aerodrome’s runway, which base officials say is ageing and no longer meets current standards and operational needs.
A clear push for national autonomy in military aviation
At the end of the immersion, Gildas Agonkan praised the command’s work and the commitment of instructors and trainees. He stressed the importance of training pilots and technicians on national soil to strengthen Benin’s autonomy in military aeronautics. The minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to support the school’s development, with the stated ambition of making EAM-Cana a sub-regional reference centre. Achieving this will require investment in infrastructure, equipment and teaching resources, particularly to meet the growing demands of aeronautical training.
What this means for Benin’s air sovereignty
Through this visit, the authorities are highlighting the role of specialised training in modernising the Beninese armed forces. The development of EAM-Cana is now framed as a key issue of air sovereignty, and the momentum generated by the minister’s immersion could accelerate the school’s rise as a strategic asset for the nation.