By NATION REPORTER
THE Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lieutenant-General Colin Barry has assured the public that the Air Force will continue to be combat ready by ensuring that its aircraft fleet responds to arising challenges in the region.
Lt-Gen Barry said that operating a serviceable fleet required familiarisation with the current and future technological advancements in the aviation sector by attending international air shows.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the Aerospace 2023 conference hosted by the Italian Defence Force in Rome, Italy from May 10 to 14 2023, on invitation by the Italian Air Force Commander.
The aerospace conference coincided with the Italian Air Force’s centenary celebration of its foundation by King Vittorio Emmanuelle III.
Lt Gen Barry commended Italy for the assistance and cooperation in the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance sector since the 1960s.
Lt-Gen Barry said the Aerospace 2023 conference offered a platform for ZAF to reflect on and learn best practices in addressing the various challenges that were being experienced in the aviation sector.
While in Italy, Lt Gen Barry and his entourage visited Leonardo, the manufacturing company for the ZAF C-27J aircraft.
Lt Gen Barry disclosed that the Italian manufactured C-27J Spartan aircraft had greatly enhanced the Zambia Air Force’s combat capability in supporting peacekeeping operations in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
He said that the C-27J aircraft has been instrumental in supporting smooth operation of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique
He called for further collaboration between ZAF and the Italian Air Forces in order to fully harness the available opportunities for both Air Forces.
