Organisation Air Force of Zimbabwe
Alternate Name  
Abbreviation AFZ
Parent Zimbabwe Defence Forces
u.r.l. http://www.mod.gov.zw/airforce/airforce.htm
email  
Country Zimbabwe
Location Harare
Address  
Postal Address  
Telephone  
Management u.r.l.  
Fax  
Sector Military Combat Forces
Organisation Type African Government
Status  
Stated Role The Air force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) was formed in 1980 after the integration of the three belligerent forces, The Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army ( ZANLA), and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army, ( ZIPRA), on one side and the Rhodesian Air Force on the other. Over the past 25 years the Air Force of Zimbabwe has developed into a highly effective tactical force with the constitutional responsibility of defending Zimbabwe's air space against foreign incursion. This non- aggression policy has seen the AFZ performing the following roles to safeguard Zimbabwe's territorial integrity and independence: <P>Defending Zimbabwe's Airspace. <P>providing an effective counter strike force. <P>Providing close air support to ground forces. <P>Supporting civil powers to maintain law and order. <P>Providing search and rescue and casualty evacuations. <P>Providing VIP and VVIP transport. <P>Performing ceremonial fly-pasts. <P>
Activities  
Geographical Focus  
Notes ORGANISATION OF THE AIRFORCE OF ZIMBABWE
Air Marshal Perrance Shiri who took over from the late Rtd Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai in 1992 commands the Air Force of Zimbabwe. The Air Force Commander reports to the Commander Defence Forces. Below him are two Chiefs of Staff who head the divisional responsibilities of Operations and Supporting Services assisted by Director Generals responsible for Operations, Supporting Services and Inspectorate. Functional departments of Operations, Training, Engineering, Administration, Regiment, Inspectorate, Medical Services and three operational bases namely, Manyame Air Base, Thornhill Air Base and Field Air Force Base support the Command element.
MANYAME AIR BASE
Manyame Air Base situated in Harare is the principal air force establishment and provides facilities for aircraft squadrons of differing roles, training schools for technicians, staff and academic training and security dog handlers. A full range of amenities, which include workshops, transport fleets, equipment depots, accommodation, sports and entertainment facilities, support the base. Group Captain A Nhamoinesu commands the Base.
THORNHILL AIR BASE
Thornhill Air Base, in Gweru, is home to air force fighter squadrons and the Pilot Training School.
A full range of amenities and services, which include Workshops, transport fleets, equipment depots, and accommodation, sporting and entertainment facilities, support the base. Group Captain N M Chasakara commands the base.
FIELD AIRFORCE BASE
Field Air Force Base is home to air defence and regimental training. The base is also tasked with anti air artillery and radar systems training. Like all other air force bases, a full range of amenities, which include workshops, transport fleets, equipment depots, accommodation, sporting and entertainment facilities support the base. Group Captain R Sango commands the base.
Current Positions
Position Name From To
Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Perrance Shiri 1992  
Air Vice Marshall Abu Basutu 2002  
Air Vice Marshall Henry Muchena 2002  
Chief of Staff - Operations Air Vice Marshal Elson Moyo 2007  
Budgets
Donor From To Budget ($) Note
Links to Related Organisations
Parent Tree Zimbabwe Defence Forces
Ministry of Defence
Cabinet of Zimbabwe
Government of Zimbabwe
Subsidiary Organisations AFZ Operations Division
AFZ Supporting Services Division
AFZ Headquarters [22]
Sibling Organisations Zimbabwe National Army [50]
Office of the Inspector General
Office of the Chief of Staff Operations & Plans
Office of the Chief of Staff Service Personnel & Logistics
ZDF Headquarters [19]
Defence Forces Service Commission
Associated Organisations  
Donor Recipients  
Past Positions
Position Name From To
Record last updated on 09 JAN 2008