Air Force of Zimbabwe Showcases Value Addition and Capacity at Midlands Show

Gweru — The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) used the 2026 Midlands Agricultural Show to showcase its military capabilities, technical expertise, humanitarian operations and investment in human capital under the theme “Value Addition, the Key to Competitiveness.”

The 101st edition of the Midlands Agricultural Show saw Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Dr. Anxious Masuka, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube and Air Force of Zimbabwe representatives tour the AFZ exhibition stand.

Air Lieutenant Margaret Patricia Dhewa  welcomed the delegation and outlined how the AFZ is incorporating value addition into its mandate, primary, secondary and humanitarian roles.

She said the AFZ's mandate was to effectively and efficiently defend Zimbabwe's airspace while also contributing to national development through search and rescue, medical evacuation, VIP and VVIP transport and assistance during national disasters.

The exhibition also provided visitors with an opportunity to view aircraft engineering equipment, weapons systems and other military hardware.

Master Sergeant Descent Justice Chikara presented the engineering display.

The delegation was also taken through displays featuring the PL-7 air-to-air missile, rocket launchers, aircraft-mounted weaponry and an 85kg bomb manufactured by the AFZ in the late 1990s.

The AFZ also highlighted its role in building Zimbabwe's technical skills base through recruitment and specialised training.

Air Lieutenant Shadreck Ngwenya, alongside Air Sub-Lieutenant Shaun Arufeyo, delivered a presentation on recruitment and training, outlining the various entry points into the force and career-development opportunities available to members.

According to the presentation, recruitment is open to Zimbabwean citizens who meet the stipulated age, educational, physical and character requirements.

Basic military training runs for nine months, while the regular officer cadet course runs for 18 months. Degree holders can also undergo a four-month basic officers' course.

The force said its training programmes are designed not only to produce competent military personnel but also to equip Zimbabwean youths with transferable technical skills that can contribute to the wider economy.

The AFZ further highlighted regional and international cooperation, including training engagements with neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa.

Sergeant Judith Chewe, assisted by Sergeant Leo Gova, took the delegation through a presentation on security and safety equipment, while Sub-Lieutenant Munyaradzi Maranewe presented on civil-military relations.

Air Sub-Lieutenant Nathan Tirihumwe delivered a presentation on the SF260TP aircraft.

The AFZ also showcased its capacity-building programmes, including specialised training for pilots, aircraft technicians, air traffic controllers, medical personnel, journalists, parachuting specialists and other trades.

Members undergo mandatory career-progression courses, while selected personnel receive further training locally and abroad to keep pace with evolving security doctrines, aviation technology and modern military requirements.

The force said regional exercises and international military air shows also provide opportunities to benchmark its capabilities and strengthen cooperation with other air forces.

The presentations highlighted the AFZ's vision of maintaining a small, well-equipped, robust and capable air force able to defend Zimbabwe's airspace, while its mission focuses on developing patriotic, loyal, highly professional and well-trained personnel.

The exhibition ultimately presented the Air Force of Zimbabwe not only as a defence institution, but also as a contributor to skills development, disaster response, civil support and national development.