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Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) is fully embracing technology and widening its technological base in all areas in order to meet demands of the 21st century and effectively deal with emerging threats associated with digital age, Commander AFZ Air Marshal Elson Moyo has said.
This comes as Government under the Second Republic has urged people to embrace technology, as it plays an important role in the development of the nation and forms the backbone of industry, with the country moving towards attaining an upper middle income economy by 2030.
Air Marshal Elson Moyo was speaking last week in an interview ahead of the Defence Forces Day which will be celebrated next week.
He said technology remained a key component in the AFZ discharge of duties.
“In today’s world where technology has become a key enabler, the Air Force needs to keep pace so that we effectively fulfil our mandate of defending Zimbabwe’s airspace and territorial integrity,” said Air Marshal Moyo.
“Against this reality, there is need to ensure that our troops are empowered with the skills required in this digital age.
“My vision for training is to enhance the use of information communication technologies in all our training programmes. Such approaches will ensure that we have officers and members with skills to effectively respond to the current and emerging threats.”
Air Marshal Moyo said technological developments had impacted all the sectors, with the military being no exception.
“Air Forces have always been at the cutting edge of technology and this means that any technological developments have a larger impact on the operations of the Air Force of Zimbabwe,” he said.
In order to prepare personnel to effectively perform their various roles in defence of Zimbabwe’s airspace and territorial integrity, Air Marshal Moyo said the AFZ continuously reviews the training syllabus at all training schools in tandem with upgrades to equipment and weapon systems.
He said as a new requirement, it was now mandatory for every graduating student from the force’s schools to do a project that in line with research and development in relation to the AFZ, thereby improving on innovation.
The training schools are now affiliated to various national universities depending on the programme.
Online Reporter