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ZAMBIA AIR FORCE
Nationwide Weather Forecast is on "Flight Clearance Page"


The Zambia Air Force's strategic objective is to defend and support the nation as mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia. Peace is a vital aspect of political stability and sovereignty, allowing for economic and social development. The Zambia Air Force uses military might to sustain and maintain peace, allowing Our Nation to act in its own interests, including political, economic, ideological, or cultural objectives. As your Commander-in-Chief, I urge all citizens to remain united and patriotic as we uplift your living standards through economic recovery, sustainable debt management, and investment strategies that bring meaningful value to the people. Climate changes is a threat to food security and stability of livelihoods. Therefore, I am proud to announce the expanded role to the Defence Forces to combat climate change through innovative agricultural support. The capabilities extend beyond traditional defence. This expanded role aligns perfectly with commitment to strategies that bring value to the people.  By supporting a robust agricultural sector, the Defence Force helps to ensure food security and economic prosperity for all Zambians. The Air force remains resolute in its mission and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to help overcome the challenges posed by climate change as we build a more resilient Zambia. May God bless Zambia.

The Minister of Defence Hon. Ambrose L Lufuma MP.
Peace is the absence of violence – direct or indirect, manifest or posed as a threat. Peace is often viewed as a temporary and fleeting condition. Peace is most often the result of a balance of power and agreed spheres of interest. ZAF has also increasingly participated in the promotion of national, regional and global security and peace efforts as a response to the ever changing threat. Terrorism is one of the global threats that require us to position ourselves in order to deter and manage this threat.
It is for this reason that our participation in global peace efforts have taken on a new dimension in that ZAF has evolved from merely contributing troops as force protection and military observers to deploying to the United Nations and Sub Regions and around the world through bilateral co-operation with Defence Forces from other countries within and beyond the African continent.
Lieutenant General Oscar M A Nyoni
Strategy
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has embraced agricultural activities as a strategic response to the directive from the Commander-in-Chief His Excellency Dr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia. This results from multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, including food security. The Air Force has also built relationships with local communities, fostering trust and cooperation. The Air Force has also promoted sustainable agriculture practices, adopting precision and conservation farming techniques. This approach demonstrates the Air Force's adaptability and willingness to address emerging challenges, contributing to national development and resilience in the face of climate change. The Zambia Air Force strategic concept of its core business is archived by coordinating the development, deployment and employment of air power assets to achieve our National Security Objectives. Air power with its intrinsic characteristics of speed, elevation and reach provides tremendous strategic options. These strategies are then prosecuted by Zambia Air Force campaigns and missions which comprise of a variety of air operations. The Zambia Air Force strategy is developed at the Air HQ, the operational art for employing air power is conducted through our Commands.
Roles
ZAMBIA AIR FORCE ROLES depend on the nature of the threat, resources available and the unique nature of the campaign and are as follows:
  • Defence of national territories and assets, against attacks from air both during peace and war.
  • Deterring an aggressor from carrying out hostile acts and if deterrence fails to mount an eff effective response.
  • During operations, achieve control of the air to the required degree for the Zambia Army to engage enemy ground forces.
  • to provide full freedom of action to the air and surface forces.
  • Applying direct pressure on the enemy’s power of resistance by attacking his crucial centres of gravity.
  • Synergy in the combat potential of air power with the Zambia Army to achieve joint military aims and objectives.
Roles Cont'd
  • Deploying and employing forces to protect and project the national interests in any out of country contingency operation.
  • Assisting the government in disaster management or humanitarian relief tasks.
  • Executing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations.
  • Fulfilling international commitments requiring air power assets, consistent with our national policies and interests.
Our aim of Air Defence is to suitably defend relevant Zambian airspace and assets, we are well capable to inflict maximum attrition on the enemy and reduce the adversary’s capabilities as this would dissuade them from carrying out future attacks against our Nation.

Consequently, the damage sustained by friendly forces and facilities would also be reduced. This then should guide the force structuring and related operational art. Our emphasis an an Airforce is on causing maximum attrition by means of an active air defence network.
The Deputy Air Force Commander

& Chief of Air Staff
Major General Arthur Kalaluka psc MSc (DS) DFM
Airforce Capabililties
Although air power is capable of independently achieving desired political objectives, it works most effectively when integrated with other components of military power. Through air power’s flexibility and the speed with which it can reach the battlespace, it provides vital projection and sustainment, offering significant military advantage. The full spectrum approach to national power employs diplomatic, economic and military instruments of national power, all underpinned by information.

Effective cross-environment integration depends on mutual trust and understanding, built on well-established bilateral cooperation between single Services. Large, complex, multinational air operations require a comprehensive command and control capability. The ability to deliver each of the four air power roles is dependent on critical enablers: base; sustain; connect; and protect.

The employment of air power directly contributes to Zambia Defence Force Tasks. Various basing options enable the delivery of rapid effect across the globe; air logistics enable the sustainment of operations; command, control, computing and communication capabilities enable connectivity; and force protection capabilities enable the protection of forces at home and overseas.
Operations
Zambia Air Force Operations are becoming more efficient and successful, as they are being sustained and supported by the following air and ground activities for combat enabling;
  • Combat Enabling Air Operations.
    • Tactical Air Mobility Operations.
    • Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
    • Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) by Elbit Hermes AC.
    • Search and Rescue (SAR).
    • Testing, Evaluation and Research and Development.
  • Combat Enabling Ground Operations.
    • Base Maintenance & Engineering of New Infrastrusture such as AHQ Runway Rehabilitation.
    • Integrated Logistics, Supply & Procurement activities.
    • Passive Air Defence (PAD).
    • Ground Defence (GD).
    • Special Forces (SF) Operations Airbourne Parashute.
    • Training Schools for Professional Military & Civil Education.
    • Administration, Personnel Welfare & Recreation Facilities.
Joint Operations
Joint operations have the potential to be extremely effective because the various capabilities across the single Services complement the strengths and compensate the limitations in each, thus creating powerful synergies. However, to maximise their effectiveness, they need to be efficiently integrated.

The Zambia Air Force focuses heavily on air-land integration. During recent operations with the Zambia Army which gave us sufficient knowlegde and experience for complex operations along, and across, more than one domain.

This is particularly relevant in the complex contemporary operating environment, where operations are likely to require effective integration between the land & air domains, all are underpinned by information needed to Command and Control through a shared common operational digital picture.
Zambia Air Force Departments
Lieutenant General Oscar M A Nyoni - Zambia Air Force Commander
Military Power is a versatile tool for addressing threats to National Security including climate change and should be used correctly to achieve desired outcomes. The Zambia Air Force recognizes the importance of integrating air power with other components of military power. National Security and Military Power provide principles for developing socio-economic programs and maintaining peace in Zambia. The application of Military Power should be continuous and integrated with other instruments of National Power, such as diplomacy, economics, and information. The application should reflect national values, international norms, and national interests, ensuring the maintenance and sustainability of peace in Zambia.
Major General Arthur Kalaluka - Deputy Air Force Commander & Chief of Air Staff
As the Chief of Air Staff and Deputy to the Airforce Commander, my role is to effectively utilize the Airforce's human capital for force development, career progression, and increased supervisory and leadership responsibilities. The Zambia Air Force operates in a global context, requiring leadership skills at tactical expertise, operational competence, and strategic vision. These levels are determined by institutional competencies and are essential for leading Airmen and Airwomen in mission accomplishment. The Zambia Air Force safeguards the country's sovereignty against air threats and supports land forces in defense. Leadership is an integral part of the Zambia Air Force culture, and the force is composed of a diverse group of specialized officers.
Brigadier General L Chonya - Chief of Operations Department
The Zambia Air Force is continuously striving for greater professionalism in its operations, focusing on air power and its relationship with strategy, various air campaigns, combat support operations, and prosecuting air wars. The ZAF effectively utilizes three aerial campaigns: Counter Air, Counter Surface Force Ops, and Tactical Air Campaigns, with Combat Enabling Operations being a crucial component. Joint operations are essential for achieving political objectives in modern conflicts, with air power being the lynchpin of such applications.
Brigadier General Menshi - Chief of Aeronautical Engineering Services Department
The ZAF uses a variety of cutting-edge, high-tech armament systems, several aerial platforms, various radar systems, and intricate communication networks in its massive aviation operations. These call for a wide range of extremely specialized engineering support services. The integration of the operational, maintenance, and training philosophies from the planning stage of the procurement cycle to provide a smooth man-machine-materials-methods interaction throughout the life cycle of stores and equipment is one of the steps done to tackle complicated difficulties.
Brigadier General Hambulo - Chief of Training & Education Services Department
The Zambia Air Force provides Conversional and Professional Military Education Courses at many schools in addition to Basic Military Training at the Air Force Academy for Officer Cadets and Ground Training School for Recruits. Opportunities for Advanced Military Training are associated with organizations such as the Defense Services Command & Staff College, the Center of Advanced Learning, and the University of Zambia, as well as Copperbelt University and the National Institute of Public Administration. This guarantees the professionalism of the Zambia Air Force as a military organization.
Brigadier General Hamusonde Mooba - Chief of Supply & Logistics Services Department
Logistics is crucial for the sustainability of air forces, as it involves planning and executing movements and supporting operations. A force's combat capability relies on the logistic support it receives. In the military, logistic activities are conducted smoothly and adequately, ensuring system and equipment availability. The Zambia Air Force's integrated management systems improve efficiency in maintenance and logistics functions by providing transparency and visibility to officers, airmen, and airwomen involved.
Brigadier General L Hamweemba - Chief of Administration Services Department
Although morale is a mental state, it is very susceptible to external factors. It stays high when it is supported by discipline, regular practical training, and a thorough comprehension of the given work. It responds particularly well to effective leadership, which can maintain strong morale in the face of all other obstacles. Poor management and subpar or inefficient equipment have a negative impact on it. Morale is significantly and favorably impacted by good management. Administration and operations work hand in hand. As a result, there has to be an administrative plan that corresponds with each operational plan. The best way to boost morale is via victory in war, as history demonstrates. In the case of asymmetric warfare, morale can play a signifi cant role due to the involvement of the civilian population. The factors important for the maintenance of morale include dynamic leadership, sound administration, discipline and the welfare of personnel.
Brigadier General Mwalongo Audit & Inspection Services Department
The ZAF's management is responsive to appropriate logistics, which are necessary for military operations to be successful, thanks to audit and inspection. Failure may result from military personnel's disrespect for meeting the standards established by audits and inspections. The capacity of a force to continue possessing the requisite combat capability for the duration required to accomplish military goals is known as sustainability. Aspects of accountability related to the governance of a military force include the supply of battle supplies and disposable commodities, the upkeep and repair of equipment and aircraft, and the moral and physical nourishment of personnel.
Brigadier General Mupashi - Chief of Finance Services Department
The expansion and development of our country as a whole depend critically on the security of our country. Wide-ranging developments have occurred in the new millennium, with the Zambia Air Force emerging as a rapidly expanding component of the armed forces and playing a significant role in maintaining peace and security inside the country. ZAF cannot afford to become complacent about the prudent management of government funds, which includes activities like investing, borrowing, and lending within the ZAF Credit Union & Savings Account, budgeting, saving, and forecasting on behalf of Personnel and Departments on non-public/government Funds, as the nation moves forward on the path of socio-economic growth and strives to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of its citizens, The Finance Department works tirelessly to find the best answers to financial problems that are essential to the continuous expansion and advancement of the Modern Zambia Air Force.
Brigadier General Dr. Tembo - Chief of Medical Services Department
Medical support must be tailored to meet the demands of war. In peacetime, it is essential that medical offi cers be trained to deal with CBRN and for providing health cover to all service personnel and their dependents. The system’s eff ectiveness would be measured by its ability to return patients to duty quickly, while minimising morbidity and mortality. In case of a likely CBRN threat, appropriate specialist measures would be necessary. Prompt and adequate medical support and facilities have an important bearing on the morale of the personnel and their families. Casualty evacuation requires special preparation, training, equipment and personnel and can be a demanding task. ZAFs Helicopters and Fixed wing Aircraft which are better suited for tactical CASEVAC as modern transport aircraft.
Brigadier General E Lungomesha - Chief of General Engineering Services Department
The ZAF General Engineering Standards are based on more modern techniques and technologies that enable reliable equipment testing and calibration. Computerized systems are used for analysis, design, and maintenance in the process of re-engineering. Accountability and systemization are ensured by clear and accurate documentation in all engineering, logistical, and maintenance operations. To ensure simplicity of use, maintenance, retention of knowledge, and interoperability, standardization of weapon systems, protocols, processes, documentation, and infrastructure is essential. Additionally, networking and computers make maintenance tasks easier.
Brigadeir General Mancho M Mwaba - Director General of Cooperatives & Entrepreneurship
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has established a Department of Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship to drive economic growth, promote entrepreneurship, and improve its Financial Investments for Airforce personnel. The initiative will diversify income for its Credit Union & Savings Account (CUSA) Members, foster entrepreneurship skills among military personnel, support local economies for Formations & Units through projects, improve welfare, and contribute to National food security initiatives. The Strategy is to achieve a core mission focus by significantly investmenting in Personnel and Infrastructure through financial market competition in order to reduce risk of personnel or institutional resources from exploitation, and attain good governance in managing investiments. This is a well-defined strategy which includes a balanced approach that prioritises the military mission while fostering diversification on Personnel Warefare & Institutional Development.
Colonel Filtone Siabeta - Chief of Agricultural Services
The Zambia Air Force's Agricultural Services Department is vital in enhancing food security and self-sufficiency. We engage in food production, manage resources, provide logistical support, invest in training and development for sustainable agricultural practices, and collaborate with ZAF formations and personnel to share expertise. These efforts ensure operational resilience and contribute to broader national food security objectives. The department also supports farming equipment and operational integration, investing in training and development for sustainable practices in all ZAF Formations and Units.
Zambia Air Force Air Power Platforms
UNITED STATES ANNOUNCES DONATION OF HELICOPTERS TO ZAMBIA AIR FORCE
LUSAKA – On September 11, the United States announced an $80 million (1.6 billion Kwacha) grant to Zambia that will supply four Bell 412EP helicopters to the Zambia Air Force with three years of service, parts, and training for the helicopters. During a press conference, Zambia Air Force Major General Oscar Nyoni thanked the U.S. government for the donation, noting that this grant will enable the Zambia Air Force to better support the domestic needs of Zambia, regional security, and UN peacekeeping missions abroad.

Commander of U.S. Africa Command General Michael Langley made the announcement at the Africa Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference (ASELC), which the United States and Zambia co-hosted from September 10-13. This annual conference convened senior enlisted leaders from approximately 30 African countries to discuss mutual challenges and opportunities, including crisis response, rule of law, protecting natural resources, addressing instability, and strengthening security cooperation. Zambia is the first African nation to host the ASELC.
Zambia Air Force Trainer Aircraft - SIAI-Marchetti SF.260
The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 (now Leonardo SF-260) is an Italian light aircraft which has been commonly marketed as a military trainer and aerobatics aircraft.
Zambia Air Force Trainer Aircraft - Saab MFI-15 Safari
Saab MFI-15 Safari, also known as the Saab MFI-17 Supporter, is a propeller-powered basic trainer aircraft used by several air forces.
Zambia Air Force Trainer & Utility Aircraft -The Bell 206
The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- and twin-engined helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec, plant.
Zambia Air Force Trainer & Utility Aircraft - Enstrom 480B
The Enstrom Turbine 480B-G; Developed to US Army New Training Helicopter (NTH) requirements, this aircraft is known for its reputation for safety, stability, comfort, and value. The 480B combines power and weight with light agility at the controls. Experienced pilots attest to its unparalleled stability and solid craftsmanship. With the fewest number of retirement items and no airframe life limit, our 480Bs have lower direct operating costs and spend less time on the ground.
Zambia Air Force Trainer & Utility Aircraft - Enstrom 480B - Features
Enstrom Helicopters are well-suited for military pilot training, law enforcement and emergency medical use, and commercial and agriculture markets. In addition, Enstrom builds a fun helicopter to fly for the private pilot. All Enstroms are proudly made in the USA with domestic parts and labor.
Features are as follows; Energy-absorbing landing gear, Five-seat cabin configuration with litter carrying capabilities,
Custom paint designs with virtually unlimited color schemes
Powerful Rolls-Royce 250 C20w turbine engine, 240º pilot visibility with chin and overhead windows, High skids for police, agricultural spray, and military equipment, High-inertia rotor system, which greatly benefits autorotation capability,
Unblocked tail rotor, providing excellent control in high winds from any angle, Good Hot and High Performance and Low maintenance with excellent parts availability.
Zambia Air Force Trainer & Utility Aircraft - The CESSNA CARAVAN
The CESSNA CARAVAN aircraft is known for its rugged utility and flexibility. With its powerful turboprop engine, the Caravan aircraft delivers the rare combination of high performance, low operating costs and ability to adapt to a wide variety of missions
Zambia Air Force Trainer & Light Attack Aircraft - The Aermacchi or Macchi MB-326
The Aermacchi or Macchi MB-326 is a light military jet trainer designed in Italy. Originally conceived as a two-seat trainer, there have also been single and two-seat light attack versions produced. It is one of the most commercially successful aircraft of its type, being bought by more than 10 countries and produced under licence in Australia, Brazil and South Africa. It set many category records, including an altitude record of 56,807 ft (17,315 m) on 18 March 1966. More than 800 MB-326s were constructed between 1961–1975
Zambia Air Force Trainer Aircraft - The Karakorum-8 or K-8
The Hongdu JL-8 (Nanchang JL-8), also known as the Karakorum-8 or K-8 for short, is a two-seat intermediate jet trainer and a light attack aircraft designed in the People's Republic of China by China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. Pakistan is also the co-Partner of this project.
Zambia Air Force (Lead In Fighter Trainer) Advanced Aircraft - The L-15 Falcon
The Hongdu JL-10 also known as the L-15 Falcon (猎鹰) is a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Nanchang-based Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIC) to lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) requirements, as well as next-generation training and light combat.
Zambia Air Force Transport Aircraft - Dornier Do 28
The type designation Dornier Do 28 comprises two different twin-engine STOL utility aircraft, manufactured by Dornier Flugzeugbau GmbH. The Do 28 series consists of the fundamentally different Do 28 A/B and Do 28 D Skyservant
Zambia Air Force Transport Aircraft - The de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo
The de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo is a short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility transport turboprop aircraft developed from the earlier piston-powered DHC-4 Caribou. The aircraft has extraordinary STOL performance and is able to take off in distances much shorter than even most light aircraft can manage.
Zambia Air Force Transport Aircraft - The Hawker Siddeley HS 748
The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 is a medium-sized turboprop airliner originally designed and initially produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Avro. It was the last aircraft to be developed by Avro prior to its dissolution.
Zambia Air Force Transport Aircraft - The Harbin Y-12
The Harbin Y-12 (Chinese: 运-12; pinyin: Yùn-12) is a high wing twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft built by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG). Harbin Y-12 (II) has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,700 kg (12,600 lb) with seating for 17 passengers and two crew. The aircraft is operated as a light commuter and transport aircraft.
Zambia Air Force Transport Aircraft - BEECHCRAFT 1900D
The BEECHCRAFT 1900D is the 19-passengers world-class turbo-prop airliner, one of the most efficient and flexible regional air transport solutions. Good performance in hot and high conditions. Excellent speed and operating altitudes. Pressurized and comfortable stand-up cabin. High reliability, low operating and maintenance costs.
Zambia Air Force Transport Aircraft - The Xian MA60
The Xian MA60 (新舟60, Xīnzhōu liùshí, "Modern Ark 60") is a turboprop-powered airliner produced by China's Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The MA60 is a stretched version of the Xian Y7-200A, which was produced based on the An-24 to operate in rugged conditions with limited ground support and has short take-off and landing (STOL) capability.
Zambia Air Force Transport Aircraft -The Alenia C-27J Spartan
The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Leonardo's Aircraft Division (formerly Alenia Aermacchi until 2016). It is an advanced derivative of Alenia Aeronautica's earlier G.222 (C-27A Spartan in U.S. service), equipped with the engines and various other systems also used on the larger Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.
Zambia Air Force Utility Aircraft -The Bell 205A & The Bell 212 – Military utility transport helicopter.
The Bell 204 and 205 are the civilian versions of the UH-1 Iroquois single-engine military helicopter of the Huey family of helicopters. They are type-certificated in the transport category and are used in a wide variety of applications, including crop dusting, cargo lifting and aerial firefighting.
Zambia Air Force Utility Aircraft - Bell / Agusta Bell 412
The Bell 412 is a utility helicopter of the Huey family manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a development of the Bell 212, with the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.
Zambia Air Force Utility Aircraft - Bell / Agusta Bell 412 Cont'd
The 412 structure incorporates many safety features, including a rupture-resistant fuel system; jettisonable crew doors; sturdy construction and bulkheads for roll-over protection; wire strike protection on the nose; dual redundant electrical, hydraulic and fuel systems; dual digital flight control and a rugged high-reliability twin pack engine. It is also fitted with rotors and controls system, transmission drive systems, communication and navigation system, hydraulic and fuel systems and dual digital flight control.
Zambia Air Force Utility Aircraft - The Harbin Z-9
The Harbin Z-9 (NATO reporting name "Haitun", Chinese: 海豚 for Dolphin is a Chinese military utility helicopter with civilian variants. It is a licensed variant of the French Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, and is manufactured by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation.
Zambia Air Force Utility Aircraft - The Mil Mi-17
The Mil Mi-17 (NATO reporting name: Hip) was a Soviet and current Russian military helicopter in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. It is known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service. The helicopter is mostly used as medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, as well as an armed gunship version.
Zambia Air Force VVIP Aircraft - The AgustaWestland AW139
The AgustaWestland AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter developed and built by AgustaWestland (now part of Leonardo). It is marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, fire fighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief, and maritime patrol
Zambia Air Force VVIP Aircraft - The Bombardier Challenger 600 series
The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets developed by Canadair after a Bill Lear concept, and then produced from 1986 by its new owner, Bombardier Aerospace. At the end of 1975, Canadair began funding the development of LearStar 600, and then bought the design for a wide-cabin business jet in April 1976. On 29 October, the programme was launched, backed by the Canadian federal government, and designed to comply with new FAR part 25 standards.
Zambia Air Force VVIP Aircraft - The Gulfstream G650
The Gulfstream G650 is a large business jet produced by Gulfstream Aerospace. The model is designated Gulfstream GVI in its type certificate, and may be configured to carry from 11 to 18 passengers. Gulfstream began the G650 program in 2005 and revealed it to the public in 2008. The G650 was formerly the company's largest and fastest business jet with a top speed of Mach 0.925, having been surpassed by the larger G700.
Zambia Air Force ISTAR Aircraft - The Elbit Hermes 450
The Elbit Hermes 450 is an Israeli medium-sized multi-payload unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for tactical long endurance missions. It has an endurance of over 20 hours, with a primary mission of reconnaissance, surveillance and communications relay. Payload options include electro-optical/infrared sensors, communications and electronic intelligence, synthetic-aperture radar/ground-moving target indication, electronic warfare, and hyperspectral sensors.
Zambia Air Force ISTAR Aircraft - The Elbit Systems Hermes 900 Kochav
The Elbit Systems Hermes 900 Kochav (Star) is an Israeli medium-size, multi-payload, medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for tactical missions. It is a successor to the Hermes 450 series of drones, one of the most widely used military drones in the world.
Zambia Air Force Combat Aircraft - The Shenyang J-6
The Shenyang J-6 (Chinese: 歼-6; designated F-6 for export versions; NATO reporting name: Farmer) is the Chinese-built version of the Soviet MiG-19 'Farmer' fighter aircraft, the world's first mass-produced supersonic aircraft.
Zambia Air Force Combat Aircraft - The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-21; NATO reporting name: Fishbed) is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union.
Zambia Air Force Combat Aircraft - Hongdu L-15B
Hongdu L-15B is a brand-new twin-seat battle fitness instructor created by the Hongdu Aeronautics Sector Group (HAIG), part of the China Aeronautics Market Firm (AVIC), for the People’s Liberation Military Air Force (PLAAF).
Zambia Air Force Combat Aircraft - Hongdu L-15B Cont'd
This is an innovative version of the L-15 supersonic instructor/ strike airplane. Nanchang-based Hongdu Aviation has increased weapon hard points on the L-15B from seven to nine, with a maximum payload of 3.5 metric tons. A sample weapon configuration could be PL-12 radar-guided beyond visual range missiles, LT-2 laser guided bombs and a centerline cannon pod.
Zambia Air Force Combat Aircraft - Hongdu L-15B Cont'd
The aircraft can carry a weapon load of 3,500kg across nine hard-points. Each wing holds three hard-points, while each wing tip accommodates a single hard-point. The under-fuselage of the aircraft also holds a hard-point for weapons carriage. The L-15B can be armed with a range of weapon systems such as the PL-10 infrared-homing, short-range, air-to-air missiles, PL-12 active, radar-guided, beyond visual-range, air-to-air missiles, and PL-8 infrared-guided, short-range, air-to-air missiles, as well as LT-2 laser and LS-6 precision-guided bombs.
The legacy SAM systems Vs Contemporary SAM systems
There are major disparities in the recorded combat effectiveness of Soviet supplied Surface to Air Missile (SAM) systems, used in past decades, across theatres of operation. Most interesting is how poorly these SAM systems performed in the Middle East, compared to their combat effect in South East Asia. The study of SAM effectiveness in air campaigns between the 1960s and the last decade may span a period of almost a half century, but in every one of these campaigns the numerically dominant of these SAM systems have major disparities in the recorded combat effectiveness of Surface to Air Missile (SAM) systems, used in past decades, across theatres of operation.
Effectiveness of the latest generation (Russian and Chinese) SAM systems.
The relevance of this arguably obscure historical detail, is that contemporary perceptions of the effectiveness of the latest generation of Russian and Chinese built SAM systems are more than often, in Western defence bureaucracies, determined on the basis of views such as “We trashed Russian SAMs completely in 1991, so why should we care about the effectiveness of current SAM systems?”. The latter argument has been put to this author more than once in recent times, by parties in Australia and overseas, so the perception that the effectiveness of state of the art new technology SAMs is no different to that of 1960s and 1970s technology SAMs operated in Middle East nearly two decades ago is widely held, and often fervently believed.
No fly Zones in the Modern Iron Skies
The material reality is that newer generation SAM systems such as the S-300PMU1, S-300PMU2 Favorit (SA-20), HQ-9/FD-2000/FT-2000 and S-400 Triumf (SA-21) are in terms of basic technology and performance very close to, if not better than the US MIM-104 Patriot series, and importantly, have never been challenged in combat by Western air forces, these including the formidable Israeli Air Force. The volume of detailed technical material now available from open sources on Soviet era SAM systems, specifically the SA-2 Guideline (S/SA-75 Volkhov/Dvina), SA-3 Goa (S-125 Neva/Pechora), SA-5 Gammon (S-200 Vega) and SA-6 Gainful (2K12 Kub/Kvadrat) is staggering, by Cold War era standards, and permits a much more focused and deeper analysis of the operational issues than was even possible using then limited classified source materials, during the Cold War period.
No fly Zones in the Modern Iron Skies CONT'D
In comparison with SAM systems currently available on the global market, offered by Russian and Chinese manufacturers, these legacy SAM systems of half a centuary ago are inferior in many respects:
►Modern SAM engagement and acquisition radars are designed from the outset to be highly resistant to jamming, and typically deliver higher peak power-aperture performance to engage lower signature targets;
►Some modern SAM engagement radars are claimed to provide a basic LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) capability, making their detection and tracking difficult;
►Nearly all modern SAM systems and supporting radars are highly mobile, engineered from the outset for “hide, shoot and scoot” operations;
►Modern SAMs are all kinematically superior to their Cold War era predecessors, by virtue of better rocket motor technology, and digital guidance, yielding greater engagement ranges and terminal endgame manoeuvre performance.
Intergration of Systems in the Modern SAM systems (Automation & User Friendly)
Contemporary SAM systems in these categories include the Russian SA-20 (S-300PMU1, S-300PMU2), Chinese HQ-9/FD-2000 and Russian S350, SA-21 (S-400). These are modern systems with highly jam resistant radars, and if the Chinese are correct, basic low probability of intercept capability. These systems will be difficult to locate, jam and guide anti-radiation missiles against. No less importantly they have modern highly automated digital fire control systems, not unlike Western SAMs of this era. The demands for proficiency and technical understanding of operation by crews seen in early Cold War SAM systems no longer exist – operators have sophisticated LCD panel displays with synthetic presentation. In deployment, these systems are heavily automated, using mostly hydraulic rams to elevate and unfold key system components, and thus little operator skill is needed to set up or relocate a battery – most can shoot and scoot in five minutes.
Air Defence in Depth (Layered Protection to Counter Every Enemy's Attack)
The difficulties arising from technological evolution in long range or area defence SAM systems have been exacerbated by the evolution of associated operational doctrine, which now sees the deployment of specialised equipment intended to defend SAM batteries from attack. These include:
►The development and deployment of advanced point defence SAMs and SPAAGMs to engage and destroy guided munitions launched against SAM sites;
►The development and deployment of modern emitting decoys to defeat geolocation receivers and guided munition seekers;
►The development and deployment of active and passive electronic, optical and infrared countermeasures to defeat guided munition seekers;
►The development and deployment of Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) sensor fusion systems to defeat electronic countermeasures, and to an extent, low observables.
IADS in Modern SAM Systems (Air Defence Everywhere)
The term Air Defence (AD), is simplistically understood by most as defence of a nation’s territory from an enemy’s air attacks. For a professional air power practitioner however, AD today means much more. It encompasses a wider responsibility which includes net-centric and integrated surveillance, defensive and offensive kinetic measures, for the protection of a nation’s airspace, territory and maritime spaces, in the larger context of national interest. As a result, a modern IADS equipped with current Russian and Chinese SAM systems will be very difficult to defeat by non-lethal and lethal suppression or kill techniques. A large fraction of guided munitions launched will be shot down, or their guidance defeated. In conclusion, the perception that contemporary Russian and Chinese SAM systems can be defeated as easily as Syrian and Iraqi systems in 1982 and 1991 is nothing more than wishful thinking, arising from a complete failure to study and understand why and how SAM defences failed or succeeded in past conflicts.
2025 WORLD AIR FORCES DIRECTORY - FROM FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL
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