By KELVIN  MUDENDA –
THE Zambia Air Force (ZAF) is in 2017 scheduled to contribute an aviation unit to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
ZAF commander for air transport support Oscar Nyoni, who described the development as milestone in the history of ZAF, said that the first-ever independent entity to the peace-keeping mission in South Sudan is scheduled to depart during the first quarter of 2017.
Brigadier General Nyoni thanked Government for its continued commitment to ensuring a stable and modernised Zambia Air Force (ZAF) capable of responding to the air power needs of the country.
Gen Nyoni said this during the ZAF officers’ annual ball at Livingstone ZAF Mess on Friday.
“Government has continued to help us modernise by acquiring  new assets which include  aircraft and air defence equipment. Undoubtedly, these additions to our inventory  will not only help us project air power effectively, but also assist us provide air mobility for developmental purposes,”Gen Nyoni said.
He said the Zambian Government was committed in improving the conditions of service for military personnel and their families so that their able to sustain themselves.
“ZAF will continue to support personnel by promptly attending to their immediate welfare needs such as payment of claims and other entitlements,” he said.
He disclosed that ZAF had over the years provided effective protection of the country’s air space through effective surveillance using powerful air defence equipment.
ZAF Livingstone Station Commander Collin Barry said the Livingstone station had continued to conduct itself with diligence and remained committed to the core values of the Air Force