About Us - Zambia Air Force | ZAF

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Zambia Air Force
Lieutenant General Oscar M A Nyoni - Zambia Air Force Commander
Military Power is a versatile tool for addressing threats to National Security including climate change and should be used correctly to achieve desired outcomes. The Zambia Air Force recognizes the importance of integrating air power with other components of military power. National Security and Military Power provide principles for developing socio-economic programs and maintaining peace in Zambia. The application of Military Power should be continuous and integrated with other instruments of National Power, such as diplomacy, economics, and information. The application should reflect national values, international norms, and national interests, ensuring the maintenance and sustainability of peace in Zambia.
Major General Arthur Kalaluka - Deputy Air Force Commander & Chief of Air Staff
As the Chief of Air Staff and Deputy to the Airforce Commander, my role is to effectively utilize the Airforce's human capital for force development, career progression, and increased supervisory and leadership responsibilities. The Zambia Air Force operates in a global context, requiring leadership skills at tactical expertise, operational competence, and strategic vision. These levels are determined by institutional competencies and are essential for leading Airmen and Airwomen in mission accomplishment. The Zambia Air Force safeguards the country's sovereignty against air threats and supports land forces in defense. Leadership is an integral part of the Zambia Air Force culture, and the force is composed of a diverse group of specialized officers.
Brigadier General L Chonya - Chief of Operations Department
The Zambia Air Force is continuously striving for greater professionalism in its operations, focusing on air power and its relationship with strategy, various air campaigns, combat support operations, and prosecuting air wars. The ZAF effectively utilizes three aerial campaigns: Counter Air, Counter Surface Force Ops, and Tactical Air Campaigns, with Combat Enabling Operations being a crucial component. Joint operations are essential for achieving political objectives in modern conflicts, with air power being the lynchpin of such applications.
Brigadier General Menshi - Chief of Aeronautical Engineering Services Department
The ZAF uses a variety of cutting-edge, high-tech armament systems, several aerial platforms, various radar systems, and intricate communication networks in its massive aviation operations. These call for a wide range of extremely specialized engineering support services. The integration of the operational, maintenance, and training philosophies from the planning stage of the procurement cycle to provide a smooth man-machine-materials-methods interaction throughout the life cycle of stores and equipment is one of the steps done to tackle complicated difficulties.
Brigadier General C KUNDA - Chief of Supply & Logistics Services Department
Logistics is crucial for the sustainability of air forces, as it involves planning and executing movements and supporting operations. A force's combat capability relies on the logistic support it receives. In the military, logistic activities are conducted smoothly and adequately, ensuring system and equipment availability. The Zambia Air Force's integrated management systems improve efficiency in maintenance and logistics functions by providing transparency and visibility to officers, airmen, and airwomen involved.
Brigadier General Hambulo - Chief of Training & Education Services Department
The Zambia Air Force provides Conversional and Professional Military Education Courses at many schools in addition to Basic Military Training at the Air Force Academy for Officer Cadets and Ground Training School for Recruits. Opportunities for Advanced Military Training are associated with organizations such as the Defense Services Command & Staff College, the Center of Advanced Learning, and the University of Zambia, as well as Copperbelt University and the National Institute of Public Administration. This guarantees the professionalism of the Zambia Air Force as a military organization.
Brigadier General L Hamweemba - Chief of Administration Services Department
Although morale is a mental state, it is very susceptible to external factors. It stays high when it is supported by discipline, regular practical training, and a thorough comprehension of the given work. It responds particularly well to effective leadership, which can maintain strong morale in the face of all other obstacles. Poor management and subpar or inefficient equipment have a negative impact on it. Morale is significantly and favorably impacted by good management. Administration and operations work hand in hand. As a result, there has to be an administrative plan that corresponds with each operational plan. The best way to boost morale is via victory in war, as history demonstrates. In the case of asymmetric warfare, morale can play a signifi cant role due to the involvement of the civilian population. The factors important for the maintenance of morale include dynamic leadership, sound administration, discipline and the welfare of personnel.
Brigadier General Mwalongo Audit & Inspection Services Department
The ZAF's management is responsive to appropriate logistics, which are necessary for military operations to be successful, thanks to audit and inspection. Failure may result from military personnel's disrespect for meeting the standards established by audits and inspections. The capacity of a force to continue possessing the requisite combat capability for the duration required to accomplish military goals is known as sustainability. Aspects of accountability related to the governance of a military force include the supply of battle supplies and disposable commodities, the upkeep and repair of equipment and aircraft, and the moral and physical nourishment of personnel.
Brigadier General Dr. Tembo - Chief of Medical Services Department
Medical support must be tailored to meet the demands of war. In peacetime, it is essential that medical offi cers be trained to deal with CBRN and for providing health cover to all service personnel and their dependents. The system’s eff ectiveness would be measured by its ability to return patients to duty quickly, while minimising morbidity and mortality. In case of a likely CBRN threat, appropriate specialist measures would be necessary. Prompt and adequate medical support and facilities have an important bearing on the morale of the personnel and their families. Casualty evacuation requires special preparation, training, equipment and personnel and can be a demanding task. ZAFs Helicopters and Fixed wing Aircraft which are better suited for tactical CASEVAC as modern transport aircraft.
Brigadier General Mupashi - Chief of Finance Services Department
The expansion and development of our country as a whole depend critically on the security of our country. Wide-ranging developments have occurred in the new millennium, with the Zambia Air Force emerging as a rapidly expanding component of the armed forces and playing a significant role in maintaining peace and security inside the country. ZAF cannot afford to become complacent about the prudent management of government funds, which includes activities like investing, borrowing, and lending within the ZAF Credit Union & Savings Account, budgeting, saving, and forecasting on behalf of Personnel and Departments on non-public/government Funds, as the nation moves forward on the path of socio-economic growth and strives to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of its citizens, The Finance Department works tirelessly to find the best answers to financial problems that are essential to the continuous expansion and advancement of the Modern Zambia Air Force.
Brigadier General E Lungomesha - Chief of General Engineering Services Department
The ZAF General Engineering Standards are based on more modern techniques and technologies that enable reliable equipment testing and calibration. Computerized systems are used for analysis, design, and maintenance in the process of re-engineering. Accountability and systemization are ensured by clear and accurate documentation in all engineering, logistical, and maintenance operations. To ensure simplicity of use, maintenance, retention of knowledge, and interoperability, standardization of weapon systems, protocols, processes, documentation, and infrastructure is essential. Additionally, networking and computers make maintenance tasks easier.
OUR CORE VALUES
The Zambia Air Force core values are part of many commitments each Officer, Airwoman & Airman makes when joining the Zambia Air Force through the Auth of Aligence to the Republican President and the Constitution of Zambia. These are;
  • integrity first,
  • service before self,
  • and excellence in all we do.


OUR MISSION & VISION
  • To continuously strive to be skillful in the execution of tasks, missions and responsibilities in meeting our nation's expectations as we stand to both defend our country and provide assistance to the Government.
  • A Modernised Combat Capable Air force anchored on Professional, Accountable and Well Motivated Personnel.
OUR OBJECTIVES
  • To steadily develop and maintain a suitably equipped, trained, responsive and modern Tactical Air Force capable of contribution to the effective defence and security of Zambia.
  • To render support to the nation and the Sub Region throuh humanitarian operations.
  • To train and prepare for Multinational/Combined Peace Support Operations.
OUR GOALS
The Air Force's values are Leadership, Loyalty, Airmanship and Esprit De Corps;
  • To Protect Zambia's National Interests, Actively Prevent Conflict, Reduce Violence, Strengthen Security and Empower National Authorities to Assume these responsibilities.
  • To Deploy, fight, and win decisively against any adversary, anytime and anywhere, in a joint, multi-domain, high-intensity conflict.
  • To Simultaneously Deter others and Suppress thier Ability to Conduct Warfare against Our Nation Zambia.
OUR ROLES
  • To defend the Zambian Air Space against all enemy air threats
  • Transportation of VVIPs and VIPs.
  • Search and Rescue
  • Casualty Evacuation
  • Humanitarian & Disaster Management Operations and other tasks as may be directed by Government.


        Zambia Air Force - Professional Military Careers
        Operations Department- GD Pilot
        Aircrew duties in Military Aircraft are highly specialised and sophisticated, the Flying Training programme in the Zambia Air Force imparts education to cadets of the General Duty (Pilot), Air Defense, Administration and Special Duties, Logistics, and Navigation courses.
        GD Pilot Cont'd
        Airmanship is the most important part of the Zambia Air Force. We demonstrate our Airmanship every day by the way we behave. Towards our leaders, our peers, and those we lead. We reflect on our behaviors every day and our continuing Airmanship is a process.
        GD Pilot Cont'd
        There is no end to Airmanship. No end to persuing that which is making our country...and our world a better place. "Airmanship is the consistent use of good judgment and well-developed skills" in order to accomplish Airforce objectives.
        GD Pilot Cont'd
        This consistency is founded on a cornerstone of uncompromising flight discipline and is developed through systematic skill acquisition and proficiency. A high state of situational awareness completes the airmanship picture and is obtained through knowledge of one’s self, aircraft, environment, team and risk. These three words have been around since the beginning of aviation. Airmanship is thought about from the beginning of your career in the Zambia Air Force.
        Operations Department - GD Missile & Radar
        Radar and missile officers complete a comprehensive training program covering control procedures, Missile targeting and launch operations, Security coding and authentication procedures, Operation of command, control, and communication systems.
        GD Missile & Radar Cont'd
        Additional training consists of classroom and field training of Air Defence tactics and strategy, Knowledge of weapon characteristics, status, and capability, Fire direction, Airspace familiarization and Use of integrated air defense systems. etc.
        Operations Department- Air Traffic Controllers
        Air traffic controllers monitor the location of aircraft in their assigned airspace by radar and communicate with the pilots by radio. To prevent collisions, ATC enforces traffic separation rules, which ensure each aircraft maintains a minimum amount of empty space around it at all times.
        Operations Department - Meteorologists
        Meteorologists are scientists who study and work in the field of meteorology. Those who study meteorological phenomena are meteorologists in research while those using mathematical models and knowledge to prepare daily weather forecast are called weather forecasters or operational meteorologists.
        Operations Department- Fire
        The fire service, also known in some countries as the fire brigade or fire department, in the Airforce, it is one of the three main emergency services of flight safety. Firefighters work closely with other emergency response at Airports or runways for such as aircraft incidents and emergency landing or aborted takeoff.
        Operations Department- Airborne Paratrooper Special Unit
        There is no need to limit new parachute equipment to special forces. They offer more general strategic and tactical benefits which are hard to ignore. Landing a battalion-size force covertly wherever we wanted to would be a worthwhile advantage. Instead of being scattered over a wide area, we would achieve a greater concentration of force closer to an objective. This is the same benefit conferred by tactical helicopters, but there is much less risk of ground fire bringing down a transport aircraft. Ideally suited to COIN operations as well as general war scenarios, wingsuits combined with lightweight steerable parachutes would deliver combat soldiers exactly where they were needed.
        Aeronautical Engineering Services Department
        Aeronautical engineers design, construct and operate aircraft, aerospace vehicles and propulsion systems. An aeronautical engineer needs a sound understanding of the mathematics, physics, computer science, materials science and design philosophy to apply their skills in a variety of important areas in the global aerospace industry.
        General Engineering Services Department
        General Engineering is the branch of science and technology dealing with the design, building, maintenance and use of engines, machines and structures. It includes subcategories such as electrical, chemical, mechanical, civil, architectural engineering and computer engineering.
        Supply & Logistics Services Department
        Military supply-chain management is a cross-functional approach to procuring, producing and delivering products and services for military materiel applications. The broad management scope includes sub-suppliers, suppliers, internal information and funds flow. Military logistics is the discipline of planning and carrying out the movement, supply, and maintenance of military forces.
        Supply & Logistics Cont'd
        In its most comprehensive sense, it is those aspects or military operations that deal with;
        Design, development, acquisition, storage, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel.
        Transport of personnel.
        Acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities.
        Acquisition or furnishing of services.
        Medical and health service support.
        Training & Education Services Department
        Military education in the Zambia Air Force is conducted through its Schools which are guilded by the training policy. The Schools were established to improve the capabilities of military personnel in their respective roles. Our Military training programmes begin with recruit training, proceeds to professional military education and training specific to military roles, and sometimes includes additional civil courses training during a military career.
        Audit & Inspection Services Department
        Zambia Air Force Auditors and Inspectors tend to be higher-level personnel than operators as they assess them for overall compliance with internal policies, various regulations, and other compliance drivers. Auditors offen conduct detailed examinations of whether health & safety, maintenance, or other functions are being managed properly within ZAF.
        Audit & Inspection Cont'd
        In addition to visual examinations, the auditing process often involves reviewing appropriate documentation and sometimes includes carrying out interviews with a cross-section of ZAF personnel. Inspections are typically the recurring completion of checklists against facility-level personnel, such as Station Commanders and Commanding Officers of Formations. Inspectors do this with the theme of compliance tasks with checklists.
        Finance Services Department
        Finance in the Zambia Air Force is a Department regarding the management of funds and includes activities such as investing, borrowing & lending within the ZAF Credit Union & Savings Account, budgeting, saving, and forecasting on behalf of Personnel and Departments on non public/government Funds.
        Administration Services Department
        Military administration identifies both the techniques and systems used by military departments, agencies, and armed services involved in managing the armed forces. It describes the processes that take place within military organisations outside combat, particularly in managing military personnel, their training, and services they are provided with as part of their military service.
        Administration Cont'd
        In many ways military administration serves the same role as public administration in the civil society, and is often sited as a source of bureaucracy in the government as a whole. Given the wide area of application, military administration is often qualified by specific areas of application within the military, such as logistics administration, administration of doctrine development or military reform administration.
        Medical Services Department
        Civil-Military Cooperation is proving its worth in these difficult times, as it has before in major cases of Disaster Management and during catastrophes. With the Coming of Covid-19, Major Military hospitals are admitting increasing numbers of civilian patients, intensive care equipment is being made available, patient transfer flights in military aircraft are relieving the pressure on many hospitals and the logistics of the Armed Forces is being applied.
        Medical Services Cont'd
        ZAF also Conducts Medical evacuation operations and Casualty evacuations using the air assets on its inventory and further it conducts airlifts of logistics for relief aid and other air transport needs under the Disaster Management Programme.
        About Zambia Air Force
        The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) is the Air Force of Zambia and the Air Operations element of the Zambian Defence Force. The former Northern Rhodesian Air Wing was renamed as the Zambia Air Wing following the creation of the Republic of Zambia in 1964. The Northern Rhodesian Air Wing operated mainly in the communication and transport role. From 01 March 1964 it was known as the Northern Rhodesia Air Force (NRAF). It consisted of two squadrons based at Livingstone Airport, with No 1 Squadron operating a transport fleet of four Dakotas and two Hunting Pembrokes C.1 received from Southern Rhodesia and No 2 Squadron a communication and reconnaissance squadron with six De Havilland DHC-2 Beavers. Initial aid for the Air Force came from the UK. This was followed by Italian, Yugoslavian, Chinese and Russian aid. Then in 1968 the Zambian Air Force was established.

        The small but rapidly expanding air force put on show some of its new Italian MB326GBs and Yugoslav SOKO Jastreb/Galeb jet fighter/trainers in Lusaka on 24 October 1971. Early in 1980 a squadron of 16 Russian built MiG-21MF single-seat fighters and 2 MiG-21UM two-seat trainers were ordered and delivered. Much has been written about some Zambian MiG-21MFs and 2 x MiG-21UMs being re-furbished by IAI in Israel. The Zambia Air Force today is transforming itself into a formidable Air Force as we the leaders have developed strategies to influence airpower much beyond tactical effect in our air operations' element of the Zambian Defence Force. It is interesting to note that following the creation of the Republic of Zambia in 1964, the former Northern Rhodesian Air Wing was renamed as the Zambia Air Wing which lasted until 1968. Since then, the Zambia Air Force has undergone upgradation of existing fleets, as well as induction of new platforms and weapon systems which enable us to tackle threats across the spectrum of conflict and project power in Zambia’s area of interest.

        The primary missions of the Air Force are to defend the Zambian Air Space against all enemy air threats and to defend Zambia's borders and protect its airspace. In addition to the primary missions, ZAF also provides various forms of air support to other government departments. It flies reconnaissance, trooping and transport missions for the Defence and Airlifts Logistical Supplies and personnel to inaccessible areas.  It provides emergency transport whenever needed. The Zambia Air Force through a continuous process of matching ends, ways, and means to accomplish its desired goals, has conducted its Operations exceptionally well and within the acceptable levels of Good Governance by being Accountable to the people of Zambia.

        Organization is critically important to effective and efficient operations. It is essential that Airmen understand the fundamentals of the Zambia Air Force Policy and Startegy.  Modern operations require flexibility in execution to adapt to a wide variety of scenarios, which drives a need to assemble the right mix of forces from the appropriate Services tailored to the operation. Zambia Air Force Officers, Airmen and Airwomen lead and operate in the profession Core of Arms with high competencies in Africa as it is ranked Seventh (07). At the National level, the Zambia Air Force policy is expressed in such broad establishments listed below as part of the National Security Strategy through Presidential Executive Orders.
        Air Power - Employment
        We in the Zambia Air Force know of what air power is, and we have the obligation to let citizens know our Specific Role and how we apply our Particular Specialty. Zambia Air Force - Air power is the integrated employment of all air and space forces to control and exploit the air and space environments in order to achieve national security objectives. Air power exploits the properties of its operating medium to realize unique operational characteristics and thus employ unique capabilities to provide the nation with a broad range of military options that sustains and maintains peace.

        Air power with its intrinsic characteristics of speed, elevation and reach provides tremendous strategic options. These strategies are then prosecuted by air campaigns which comprise of a variety of air operations in the interests of our Nation. This is done in harmony, with our Strategic National Values and thereby, making us stronger in unity and peace as we Defend & Support the Nation.  As aerial warfare has evolved and the importance of command of the air has expanded aswell. ZAF operations are meant to deter, contain or defeat the enemy’s air power using a counter air as our Strategy. Zambia Air force can also be employed both independently of, and in co-ordination with the Zambia Army to attack vital target systems.

        The core attributes of air power, which are unique and contribute to a wide range of effects, are speed, reach and height. Speed enables air power to exploit time and control tempo. Unimpeded by terrain, airborne capabilities provide unrivalled reach that permits air power to employ its capabilities at distance, including deep into enemy territory, and isolated locations. Height enables exploitation from an unparalleled vantage point. Ubiquity, agility and concentration are additional qualities that are enabled or enhanced by the three core attributes.

        Zambia Air Force - Airpower gives the ability to control and exploit this ultimate high ground that is essential to winning wars. No other Service, or combination of Services, can deliver the capability and capacity that the Air Force provides to the warfighter in our core mission areas. Airpower consists of the application of military aviation, military strategy and strategic theory to the realm of aerial warfare and close air support. Additionally, we recognise that economically Zambia is at a critical curve of its growth grid. New economic investment zones have been identified around the country and it is our responsibility as ZAF to protect the country’s growing investment. It is against this backdrop that ZAF is taking steps to broaden its footprint across the country and ensure that all airports and airstrips have our presence. ZAF is also broadening its surveillance capability in order to cover the whole country.
        ZAF EMBLEM
        DEFEND AND SUPPORT
        No. 8 SQUADRON
        READY TO MOVE
        No. 10 SQUADRON
        ON EAGLES WINGS, WE LIFT
        No. 11 SQUADRON
        WORRIOR SPIRIT
        No. 14 SQUADRON
        STRIKE COMMAND
        No. 21 SQUADRON
        FIGHTING VIPERS
        No. 22 SQUADRON
        ANYTIME ANYWHERE
        No. 33 SQUADRON
        SERVICE ABOVE SELF
        No. 43 SQUADRON
        POISED & READY TO STRIKE
        No. 65 WING
        PREAMONITUS PREAMUNITUS
        No. 71 WING
        DEFENDING WITH VALOUR
        AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
        POWER OF COMBAT CONTROL
        PARACHUTE TRAINING SCHOOL
        WHERE THE BRAVE ARE MADE
        CENTRAL EQUIPMENT DEPOT
        TIMELY SUPPORT
        FLYING TRAINING SCHOOL
        NIHIL NISI OPTIMA
        GROUND TRAINING SCHOOL
        KNOWLEGE EFFICIENCY DISCIPLINE
        IBEX AVIATION TOWN
        EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY MAINTENANCE
        No. 1 AIR LOG COMMAND
        LOGISTICS FOR COMBAT POWER
        No. 15 ADU
        DEFEND WITH SUPREMACY
        TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
        SUCCESS THROUGH CONTINOUS IMPROVEMENT
        TECHNICAL TRAINING SCHOOL
        STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCY
        No. 1 SQUADRON
        WITH EXCELLENCE
        ZAMBIA AIR FORCE ACADEMY
        TO LEARN TO DEFEND OUR COUNTRY
        CENTER OF ADVANCED LEARNING
        LEARNING FOR EFFICIENCY
        AIR DEFENCE SCHOOL
        EXCELLENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
        2024 WORLD AIR FORCES DIRECTORY - FROM FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL
        THE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTORATE
        ZAMBIA AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS
        P.O. Box 31291
        Lusaka, ZAMBIA.
        Tel +260 211 252977/250671
        [email protected]  
        USEFUL LINKS:
        https://www.airforce.mil.zm/clearance/
        https://www.mod.gov.zm
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