TheCable

Elson Moyo, commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), says his country will require technical assistance from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in various aerial sectors.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ayodele Famuyiwa, NAF’s spokesperson, said the AFZ requested assistance in research and development, unmanned aerial vehicle technology as well as operation and maintenance of F7 and Mi-35 aircraft. 

Moyo was quoted as saying the areas of collaboration were necessary as the air forces of both countries operate some similar aircraft. 

The Zimbabwe air chief said the motivation for his country’s request was the NAF’s success in developing indigenous capacity within a short period.

He added that NAF’s achievements would spur the AFZ to look inward and address the technical challenges arising from sanctions imposed on his country. 

The European Union (EU), the United States, and the United Kingdom have all imposed sanctions on the country in response to alleged human rights violations, government policies and actions that impede democracy.

Moyo said the sanctions had limited the AFZ’s ability to acquire basic aircraft parts and other technical aids necessary for operational efficiency.

He commended the NAF for the support it gave to AFZ in the past, particularly the training given to the first batch of Zimbabwe pilots in the 1980s.

He said such actions informed the AFZ’s decision to seek further collaboration with the NAF, with respect to capacity development.

On his part, Oladayo Amao, chief of air staff, said the NAF was ready to forge a mutually beneficial partnership with the AFZ.