01/01/2025
Defence and Security Wings Celebrate Vice President's Birthday
The Deputy Defence Force and Security Chiefs have brought good tidings to Her Honour, the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Mutale Nalumango on the Occasion of her Birthday.
Senior Officers from Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force (ZAF), Zambia National Service (ZNS), Zambia Police (ZP) and Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) presented gifts to Her Honor the Vice President at her residence on behalf of the Deputy Defence and Security Service Chiefs on 1st January 2025.
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Deputy Commander and Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS), Maj Gen Arthur Kalaluka, wished Dr. Nalumango a happy birthday and happy new year, wishing her well in all her endeavors this year as she offers effective leadership premised on a better and united Zambia.
And the Vice President thanked the Deputy Defence and Security Service Chiefs for the gesture and thanked them for their continued service to the country.
Dr. Nalumango also took time to remind the Defence and Security Wings over the importance of leadership and mentorship amongst the rank and file.
She said each and every personnel, regardless of rank, has an important role to play and the Senior Officers can not execute their jobs well without their subordinates.
She added that everyone, personnel or civilians, has a significant role to play in their capacity to ensure the successful ex*****on of the President's mandate over the nation.
The Vice President has wished the people of Zambia a happy and prosperous 2025.
01/08/2024
NAMIBIA/ZAMBIA JPCDS ON IN SWAKOPMUND
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, is in Swakopmund, Namibia to attend the 25th Session of the Namibia/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security(JPCDS).
The meeting, which started on 30 July 2024, commenced with the opening of the Officials meeting at Sea Side Hotel.
Speaking during the opening of the Officials meeting, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Mr Norman Chipakupaku, who is also the Co-Chair of the meeting, said Zambia remains committed to efforts aimed at devising measures to ensure sustainable peace and security in the region.
Speaking at the same occasion, Namibia’s Executive Director of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Dr Wilhelmine Shivute, expressed concern at the escalating conflict in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dr Shivute appreciated Zambia’s initiative in handling conflicts in the region during its tenure as Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The Zambia Air Force Commander is in attendance as Co-Chair of the Defence Committee on Defence.
15/06/2024
The Deputy Zambia Air Force Commander and Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS), Maj Gen Arthur Kalaluka, was on Friday, 14 June 2024 among the thousands who witnessed the Pass-Out Parade for 1,761 female Regular Soldiers of intake 37 of 2023 of the Zambia Army at Lukanga Army Battle Training Area (ABTA) in Kapiri Mposhi.
The Pass Out Parade was hosted by the Zambia Army Commander, Lt Gen Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi, and was graced by the Defence Minister, Hon Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma.
Others that attended the Parade were the Deputy Defence and Security Chiefs, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Mr Norman Chipakupaku, Kapiri Mposhi Member of Parliament Hon Stanley Kakubo, Senior Government Officials, Traditional Leaders, among others.
Congratulations to the newly graduated recruits!
14/06/2024
ZAF CONTINUES AIRLIFTING SAMIM TROOPS WITHDRAWING FROM MISSION AREA
As we celebrate Defence Force Day, we reflect on the Zambia Air Force’s (ZAF) contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region by deployment of troops and air assets.
The Zambia Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft has continued with the transportation of troops and cargo from the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) to their respective countries as the peacekeeping mission draws down Forces in Pemba, Cabo Delgado province.
Since 2021, ZAF has been engaged in tactical and strategic airlift of Forces and cargo to and from SAMIM’s Areas of Responsibility as well as respective Troop Contributing Countries (TCC).
From April 2024, the ZAF C-27J Spartan aircraft has withdrawn troops and cargo from Mozambique to various SADC countries including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The drawdown is necessitated by the the end of the SAMIM peacekeeping mandate slated for 15 July 2024.
03/05/2024
DEPUTY ZAF COMMANDER AND CHIEF OF AIR STAFF CALLS FOR PROACTIVE APPROACH IN ADDRESSING MILITARY HEALTH IN THE SADC REGION
The Deputy Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander and Chief of Air Staff, Maj Gen Arthur Kalaluka, has called for a more proactive approach to addressing challenges faced in Military Health in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.
Speaking on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 when he officially closed the 22nd SADC Military Health Services Working Group (MHSWG) meeting that was being held at David Livingstone Resort in Livingstone from 29 April to 1 May 2024, Maj Gen Kalaluka said he recognised the importance of such meetings in advancing SADC shared goals.
Maj Gen Kalaluka commended the delegates for having engaged in intense and meaningful discussions that also strengthened the bonds that unite the SADC region in its collective pursuit of regional security and well being.
He thanked the outgoing Chairperson of the MHSWG, Maj Gen (Dr) Amri Salim Mwami, from the United Republic of Tanzania for his dedication, leadership and commitment to advancin of the SADC Military Health agenda during his tenure.
Maj Gen Kalaluka further congratulated the new Chairperson for the MHSWG, Brig Gen (Dr) Jackson Kasela, from the Republic of Zambia for assuming the Chairmanship. He urged him to be dedicated in guiding the efforts by member states towards achieving the shared objectives of promoting the health and well being of military personnel in the region.
And in his hand over speech of Chairmanship to the Republic of Zambia, Maj Gen Mwami thanked Zambia for hosting the meeting successfully. He further thanked the SADC member states and the SADC Secretariat for the support rendered during his tenure of office.He appealed to the members to render the same support to the new Chairperson.
05/03/2024
ZAF INITIATES AGRICULTURAL EXPANSION IN LUFWANYAMA DISTRICT AMID NATIONAL DROUGHT CRISIS
Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has embarked on a mission to request additional land for expanding existing agricultural initiatives in Lufwanyama District on the Copperbelt. This move comes in the wake of the Republican President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, declaring the prevailing drought situation a national disaster, placing increased emphasis on comprehensive solutions.
On Saturday, 2 March 2024, Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, led a delegation to Lufwanyama with a specific mission to seek more land for agricultural purposes. The visit that aligns with the national directive and implied tasks to find solutions to the food anticipated crisis, was significant to the crucial role that the Zambia Air Force can play in addressing the ongoing crisis through agriculture as a key sector to contribute to national food security.
During courtesy visits to Chief Shimukunani and Chief Shibuchinga in Lufwanyama District, Lt Gen Nyoni highlighted the significance of expanding agricultural activities to alleviate the impact of the drought. Both chiefs expressed their approval of the initiative, recognizing its potential not only to bolster food security but also to contribute to the overall development of their Chiefdoms.
As part of his visit, the Air Force Commander toured the existing Air Force farm in Lumpuma of Lufwanyama District, which has shown promising results thus far.
The Air Force Commander also engaged with locals in the Shibuchinga area, gaining valuable insights into the challenges faced by the Community and how better the Air Force can conduct its agricultural activities without displacing or causing any physical or environmental harm in the area.
Both Chiefs pledged to respond promptly and collaborate with local stakeholders to identify suitable land for ZAF's agricultural expansion.
The Air Force Commander's
06/02/2024
US AIR FORCE VISITS ZAF
A team from the US Air Force paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Air Force Commander and Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS) Maj Gen Arthur Kalaluka on Monday, 5 February 2024.
The delegation that was led by Colonel Michael Kerston visited the Air Force ahead of a gender based violence reduction programme that will run from 5 to 8 February 2024.
The programme is housing personnel from the Defence Force.
And speaking during the courtesy call, Maj Gen Kalaluka said that the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has zero tolerance to gender based violence.
“Any report of Gender based violence warrants the abuser being locked up by our ever vigilant military police,” he emphasised.
Col Michael Kerston thanked the Deputy Air Force Commander and Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS) for his hospitality and expressed an openness for future cooperation between the Forces.
06/02/2024
ZAF HOSPITAL LAB HITS MILESTONE, MAINTAINS INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Hospital Laboratory, a vital component of the military healthcare infrastructure, has been striving for excellence in medical diagnostics for years.It's relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed because a significant milestone has been achieved that now elevates the nation's healthcare standards to unprecedented heights.
After months of intense scrutiny, the ZAF Hospital Laboratory was officially accredited by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) on 30 June 2023, becoming the first and only military-accredited facility in Zambia.
Following a surveillance assessment by SADCAS which took place on 17 January 2024, the ZAF Hospital Laboratory further maintained this accreditation status.
The prestigious accreditation is not just a badge of honor for the ZAF Hospital Laboratory but it signifies a new era of medical excellence for the entire nation and extends beyond national borders.
The accreditation means that the ZAF Hospital Laboratory's procedures and results are now recognized and accepted in the wider international medical fraternity.
This acknowledgment is evidence of the firm dedication of the ZAF Hospital Laboratory team, who have consistently demonstrated their proficiency and commitment to the highest standards of medical testing and diagnosis.
The score comes on the backdrop of the accreditation process that was rigorous, requiring the Laboratory to meet stringent international standards. The meticulous evaluation covered every aspect of laboratory operations, from equipment calibration to staff proficiency, ensuring that the results generated were not only accurate but also reliable.
This newfound reputation bolsters the credibility of the ZAF Hospital laboratory not just within the military community but also among civilians seeking top-notch healthcare services.
The role of the ZAF Hospital Laboratory in the
03/02/2024
WINGS OF EXCELLENCE: TWO ZAF LADY OFFICERS GRADUATE FROM STAFF COURSE IN CHINA
Two Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Lady Senior Officers have graduated with distinctions after successfully attending a Command and Staff Course at the Air Force Command College,PLA, in Beijing, China.
The two lady Officers immersed themselves in a rigorous curriculum that not only honed their military skills but also fostered international cooperation.
According to the College report, Lt Col Norah Makumano and Maj Derea Kafunga quickly became standout participants in the program collaborating seamlessly during various tactical exercises and shared insights, earning the respect of their peers from different nations.
The cultural exchange in Beijing offered them a unique perspective, enhancing their global awareness and diplomatic acumen. The duo explored the rich history of China, forging friendships with fellow military professionals from diverse backgrounds. Their experiences extended beyond the classroom, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, deepening their appreciation for China's heritage including Chinese Language.
The Officers have since returned to their respective Units in Zambia, armed not only with the knowledge gained but also with a strengthened bond and a broader perspective on international cooperation. Their success in completing the Command and Staff Course in Beijing not only elevated their individual careers but also contributed to fostering collaboration and understanding among nations in the ever-evolving landscape of global security.
The four and a half months course ran from 1st September 2023 to January 19, 2024.
Congratulations!
27/01/2024
The Zambian Mission in Mozambique today marked a double celebration in honour of Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni and Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Mr Robert Kamalata on their birthdays.
The two national leaders are currently in Mozambique for the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCSD) between Zambia and Mozambique.
Happy birthday once more Sirs!!