President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for continued modernisation of the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) through advanced training, technology transfer and skills development, saying a highly skilled and technologically equipped defence force is critical to national security and the attainment of Vision 2030.
The President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, made the remarks, yesterday, at the Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru, where he presided over the commissioning and presentation of flying wings to 10 newly qualified military pilots.
The graduates, comprising nine men and one woman, completed the AFZ’s Number 70 Pilot Training Course, which combined military instruction, academic studies and practical flying.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to officiate at this commissioning and wings parade for Number 70 pilot training course,” said President Mnangagwa.
“I commend our National Strategic School of Flying Training, which is Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, for its renowned tradition of excellence and having this time churned out 10 officers whom I have duly conferred flying wings.”
He said evolving military operations, particularly the growing application of artificial intelligence, required continuous investment in technology and specialised skills.
President Mnangagwa said the course commenced on November 8, 2021, with 12 flying officer cadets. One was subsequently discharged, while another died alongside an instructor pilot in an air accident.
“We pay our condolences to them. On behalf of Government, and indeed on my own behalf, I once again express deepest heart-felt condolences to the families of the deceased instructor and student pilot. May their souls continue to rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The President said the AFZ had upgraded its flying training syllabus into a degree programme administered by the Zimbabwe National Defence University, with Number 70 being the second cohort to graduate through the route.
The cadets completed a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Aviation Sciences, Aircraft Systems and Operations, covering subjects such as navigation, air law, aerodynamics, radar technology and air traffic management.
“Armed with theoretical aspects of aviation, the officer cadets progressed to the practical phase where they were attached to Number 6 Squadron,” President Mnangagwa said.
“During this critical phase, the student pilots were expected to accumulate a total of 120 flying hours, covering aspects such as general handling, circuits, instrument flying, navigation, formation flying, and aerobatics.”
He also commended the AFZ for establishing an overhaul and maintenance facility at the Gweru base, saying technology transfer agreements with equipment suppliers would enhance local technical expertise.
On regional cooperation, he said the AFZ continued to work with other air forces under the SADC Standing Aviation Committee to strengthen interoperability.
Zimbabwe is also expected to host Exercise Blue Runde in 2027 and participate in displays at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in South Africa.
President Mnangagwa urged the newly commissioned pilots to uphold patriotism, discipline and precision while shunning drug and substance abuse.
