Air Force of Zimbabwe, AFZ, has expressed the desire to explore technical assistance from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, in the areas of research and development, unmanned aerial vehicle technology as well as operation and maintenance of F7 and Mi-35 aircraft.

According to its Commander, Air Marshal Elson Moyo, the identified areas for collaboration, are of common and peculiar aviation interests to Zimbabwe and Nigeria, whose air forces operate some similar aircraft.

He noted that the NAF within a short time has recorded remarkable feats in its transformation effort to develop indigenous capacity.

Moyo said this provides a motivation for the AFZ to look inward as part of efforts to address the technical challenges arising from sanctions imposed on his country, which has limited the AFZ ability to acquire basic aircraft parts and other technical aids necessary for operational efficiency.

He also commended NAF for its support it gave to AFZ in the past, acknowledging the high quality training given to the first batch of Zimbabwe pilots trained in the 1980s by the NAF, which he said informs the decision by AFZ to seek for improved synergy and collaboration with the NAF, with respect to capacity development.

While welcoming to the Commander AFZ to Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao stated that the NAF is ready to forge mutually benefitting partnership with the AFZ.

Amao said the NAF is currently in partnership with many countries, including African countries, and is willing to partner with others who will seek collaboration with the Service.

He noted that improved synergy among African countries is the solution to many of the challenges, including security, facing the continent.

Amao further stated that collaboration among in the areas of training, technical assistance and technology transfer will boost the capacity of African countries to be self-reliant and dependent in driving progress and development on the continent.

According to Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, Air Marshal Elson Moyo is on a week-long visit to Nigeria, during which he will be visiting some NAF units, including the North East.