Naval capabilities boosted

The incorporation of two submarine chasers, the Brukkaros and Dâures, into the Namibian naval fleet will add tremendous value to the country's naval combat capacity.It also augments the country's maritime patrol and surveillance ability, says President Hage Geingob. “The navy must be responsive to the challenges of maritime responsibility,” said Geingob who officiated at Friday's commissioning ceremony. “Its officers must at all times be ready to defend and protect Namibia's territorial waters and harbours, which are not only valuable assets to Namibia, but the SADC region as a whole, since they present a gateway into the region. “This is indeed a proud day for the Namibia Defence Force, in particularly for the Namibian Navy, which transformed itself from the level of a wing into a fully-fledged navy in 2004 and marks its 13th anniversary this year,” he said. The president emphasised that although the government was currently focusing on mitigating the negative effects of the economic headwinds faced by the country, it remained committed to ensuring that a modern, capable and adequately equipped defence force is put in place. He challenged the defence minister, chief of defence and service commanders to deal with the economic challenges by developing financing models and innovative proposals for the funding of the military. This would stand the country in good stead once the economy stabilised, he stated. The president further said the defence force did not only have the responsibility of protecting Namibians from military threats but also had an integral role to play in terms of safeguarding Namibia's economic resources and assets. “Our maritime economy is a major contributor to job creation and economic growth. Given our large coastline, the navy faces a huge challenge in ensuring that it protects the country against any and all maritime threats. It is therefore of paramount importance that we continue to increase our naval capabilities.” Geingob hailed China as a true friend of Namibia and said that the two ships were donated by China's People's Liberation Army in 2014. The vessels were refitted and were delivered in August this year. “This process is a testament to the cordial and all-weather friendship that exists between the Republic of Namibia and the People's Republic of China, which is accentuated by the commitment of the Chinese Liberation Army to render support to the NDF in terms of training of military personnel and supplying of military equipment.” The Chinese navy donated the two offshore patrol ships to the Namibian navy under ongoing cooperation agreements between the governments of the two countries. The Chinese government refurbished the hulls of the ships and also fitted modern weaponry on the decks. Namibian sailors also received training on the ships in China before the ships arrived in Walvis Bay.OTIS FINCK

Naval capabilities boosted

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-19

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Naval capabilities boosted

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-19

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