NDF pilots finally fly solo on Chinese-bought aircraft

The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has confirmed that two Chinese-procured transport aircraft, which Namibian pilots were until recently not qualified to fly, are now being operated entirely by its own crews.

This follows public concern over the presence of foreign nationals on board the planes during high-profile state missions.

Questions first arose early last year during memorial services for Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, when observers noticed the presence of Chinese pilots in the aircraft transporting his remains across the country.

The sightings sparked debate on social media and in political circles, with critics asking why Namibia would invest heavily in military hardware while relying on foreign personnel to operate it.

Some suggested the NDF lacked the technical capacity to manage its own fleet.

Training phase

The NDF has since clarified that the Chinese nationals seen during that period were not piloting the aircraft in the conventional sense but were acting as instructors as part of a structured training programme.

The aircraft in question are two Y-12E transport planes acquired from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). Designed for both passenger and cargo transport, the planes are capable of landing on short and rugged runways typical of Namibia’s remote terrain.

“It is not the first time foreigners are training us to operate such aircraft. Everything that you did not produce, you will need assistance,” the NDF said. “We have bought aircraft before, and adapting to the technology and even the weather conditions is a process.”

According to the force, while initial training took place in China, the in-country training phase required instructors to accompany Namibian pilots to ensure safe handling and full mastery of the aircraft in local conditions.

In full control

The NDF said the transition to full local operation has since been completed, with Namibian pilots now independently flying the aircraft.

“As of early last year, all aircraft are being flown by Namibians. We are no longer in the training phase; we are in the operational phase,” the NDF confirmed.

The acquisition of the Y-12E aircraft is regarded as a significant boost to the NDF’s logistics and transport capabilities, supporting cargo movement, troop deployment and national emergency responses.

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