Africa-Press – Angola. Angola remains committed to modernizing its National Air Force (FAN), aiming to ensure and strengthen the defense of the country’s sovereignty, reaffirmed this Sunday the chief of the General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), Aviation General Altino dos Santos.
Speaking at the central event celebrating the 48th anniversary of the FAN, General Altino dos Santos said that the modernization of this branch of the FAA “is fundamental” for the defense of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national airspace.
He confirmed that the FAA’s restructuring process is proceeding “smoothly” given the challenges of the present and future, as well as possible risks and threats from the uncertain environment that characterizes the current situation.
“With this we aim for a stronger, more modern and properly equipped Air Force , well trained and qualified in the high patriotic sense of its personnel, to better fulfill its noble missions”, he said.
He recalled that, in November 2023, the FAA retired a considerable number of military personnel due to age limits, including general officers, superiors, subordinates and even “minor personnel”, who left “with a feeling of duty accomplished”.
In this sense, he explained that the objective is to continue investing in young people to maintain the legacy left by “these brave and courageous fighters, to preserve the fighting mystique of this branch”.
As a determining factor in the fulfillment of certain missions, he stated, serious investment has been made in training staff progressively and successively, to deal with combative and operational matters.
He made it known that the FAN is a branch that has always had brave men, full of courage, who fought with body, soul and heart for the cause of the country, pouring sweat, blood and tears on the battlefields to prevent the enemy from penetrating the areas desired.
He urged personnel to remain firm in fulfilling their military obligations and encourage youth to consolidate their experience and preserve the values that characterize the Armed Forces.
In the municipality of Cahama, province of Cunene, the governor recognized that the FAN has surpassed itself on its own merit in all “critical circumstances” in the organizational chapters, to face with firmness, sacrifice, bravery and courage the moments that marked the history of this country.
He pointed out that economic factors, social, ethnic, religious differences, among others, are the basis for the emergence of conflicts on the African Continent, which endanger development and deteriorate the living conditions of citizens.
Angola, as a champion of Peace in Africa, stated that it has known how to develop its role mainly at the level of the regional organizations it is part of, thus contributing to peace reigning and prevailing, depending on the conflicts that exist on the continent.
Altino dos Santos urged the continued fulfillment of missions in order to safeguard territorial integrity, sovereignty and national indecency, closing ranks around his Commander in Chief.
In his speech, the commander of the National Air Force, General Virgínio Pinto, said that they continued to work to make a more modern, strong and disciplined air force in favor of development and the preservation of peace in the country.
“We will be involved with spirit, patriotism and responsibility in our mission to serve our homeland Angola with honor”, he highlighted.
Present at the event that took place at the Cahama Maneuvering Aerodrome Command, of the Southern Air Force, were the governors of Cunene and Huíla, Gerdina Didalelwa and Nuno Mahapi Dala, who praised the readiness of this branch of the FAA in guaranteeing territorial integrity.
The National Air Force is the air branch of the Armed Forces of Angola. The Angolan Air Force was created on January 21, 1976, and celebrates its 48th anniversary under the motto “Rejuvenating with hope for the Future”.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
