PRESIDENT Nangolo Mbumba has officially commissioned two brand new medium transport aircraft, known as Y-9E, into the service of the Namibian Air Force.
“The acquisition of these Medium Transport Aircraft will go a long way in improving and enhancing the Namibian Defence Force’s operational capacity and readiness to respond at short notice to any situation that might require the involvement of our soldiers, both during peacetime and wartime emergencies,” President Mbumba said.
He revealed that the aircraft were built to the Namibian Defence Force’s specifications by the China Aeronautic Technology and Import Corporation (CATIC) in the People’s Republic of China, highlighting this as a symbol of the longstanding partnership and friendship between the two nations.
“Namibia values its all-weather friendship with the People’s Republic of China. Therefore, the Namibian Defence Force’s engagement with Chinese companies, such as CATIC, is a win-win relationship in which both countries stand to benefit,” the president said.
He added that through technology and skills transfers from Chinese Defence companies, in the long term, Namibia’s military will learn to operate and manage technologically advanced assets without the need for foreign mentors and instructors.
“As a nation that was born from a long and bitter struggle, we are a people who value and cherish peace. However, we are aware that we live in a world where peace is not guaranteed. Therefore, as an independent nation, we must maintain and enhance our capability to defend our territorial integrity,” the president added.
