The Zambian Air Force (ZAF) is the air force of Zambia and the air operations element of the Zambian Defence Force. The primary missions of the Air Force are to defend Zambia's borders and protect its airspace. In addition, it provides various forms of air support to other government departments.
It also flies reconnaissance, trooping and transport missions for the police and airlifts medical supplies and personnel to inaccessible areas. Finally, the organisation provides emergency transport whenever needed. One of the more recent relief operations mounted by the Air Arm occurred in early 2007, when it came to the aid of flood victims in the North-Western Province.
Early History and Development
Following the creation of the Republic of Zambia in 1964, the former Northern Rhodesian Air Wing was renamed as the Zambia Air Wing which lasted until 1968. The Northern Rhodesia Air Force was established on 1 March 1964, primarily operating in a liaison and transport role. On 24 October 1964, on the date of the establishment of the independent Republic of Zambia, the name of the Northern Rhodesia Air Force was subsequently changed to Zambian Air Force.
The early years of the ZAF saw continued close cooperation with the United Kingdom as a supplier of aircraft, and recruiting British officers still was a standard practice. Thanks to deliveries of six de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunks and other equipment, the Flying Training School was formed. These were followed by five DHC-4A Caribous.
Evolution of Aircraft Procurement
Starting in 1966, moving away from the British became a priority, and the ZAF started favouring the purchase of Italian and Yugoslavian aircraft. In this period, deliveries of Agusta-Bell AB.205s allowed for the formation of the ZAF's first helicopter squadron. Other aircraft acquired from Italy included SIAI-Marchetti SF.260s and Aermacchi MB-326GB light attack aircraft. In the late 1970s, relations with China increased in importance. In this period, 12 Shenyang F-5s and FT-5s were delivered, as well as 12 Shenyang F-6s.
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Current Deployment
Few details are available on force deployment, but combat elements are understood to be located at Lusaka (K-8), Mbala (F-6) and Mumbwa (MiG-21), with the small fleet of transport aircraft and utility helicopters also reportedly stationed at Lusaka. Zambia Air Force's JL-10 are equipped with PESA fire control radar along with wingtip rails for PL-5 air-to-air missiles. A 23mm gun pod can be mounted on the centreline.
Recent Developments and International Cooperation
Air Forces Europe - Air Forces Africa in collaboration with the Zambia Air Force, will co-host the African Air Chiefs Symposium in Lusaka, Zambia, Feb. The symposium is a multinational security cooperation initiative identifying key challenges confronting African air forces. The symposium is intended to foster more effective military relationships between AAAF’s participating nations.
“The multilateral partnerships developed during the African Air Chiefs Symposium are key in the preparation and response to cross-continental natural disasters. Developing African-led solutions to these enduring challenges will help save lives,” said Gen. “By fully realizing this organization, we will enhance our capability to conduct joint operations, share air assets, and respond effectively to a range of challenges, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and search and rescue missions,” said Lt. Gen.
Enstrom representatives finalized the sale in February 2023 with the Zambia Ministry of Defence. South Africa Safomar Aviation Group assisted in managing logistics, specifications, and helicopter configuration. Enstrom CCO Dennis Martin said: “We are very excited to be partnering with the Zambian Air Force. Beyond just typical uses like flight training or utility operations, these versatile helicopters will be used for missions like anti-poaching and public safety. The 480B, with its high-level performance and quick reconfiguration options, will offer the ZAF a level of efficiency and flexibility that other light helicopters cannot.
| Aircraft Type | Origin | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shenyang F-5 | China | Fighter Jet |
| Shenyang F-6 | China | Fighter Jet |
| Aermacchi MB-326GB | Italy | Light Attack Aircraft |
| Agusta-Bell AB.205 | Italy | Helicopter |
| DHC-4A Caribou | Canada | Transport |
| DHC-1 Chipmunks | Canada | Trainer |
| JL-10 | China | Trainer/Light Attack |
Zambia Air Force ZAF Open Day and Aviation Expo 2017
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