Africa-Press – Namibia. MILITARY exercise is key to test the combat readiness of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), and ensure that peace and stability in the country are maintained.
President Hage Geingob, also the Commander in Chief of the NDF, today commended the force for the successful execution of its Joint Field Training exercise code-named Exercise Khan Strike II in the area of Uulunga-wa-Kolondo of the Oshana Region.
The exercise started on 28 September and concluded today with a demonstration of aerial attack activities, artillery bombardment and mechanised infantry fighting that kept the audience entertained. It ended with a live-firing display.
The president, wearing his military uniform, said combat readiness is an extremely important aspect of the national defence apparatus because Namibian soldiers must be adequately prepared to respond to orders or attacks at any given time.
“I have often said that Namibia is a Child of International Solidarity, enemy to none and friend to all. However, as a nation, we are also aware that we live in a world defined by ever-shifting geopolitical realities and new forms of conflict that have emerged in the post-Cold War Era.
“Therefore, according to its mandate to defend the sovereignty of the Republic of Namibia, our National Defence Force must maintain absolute combat readiness at all times,” he said.
Geingob indicated that the military should always be prepared in the event of uncertainty to ensure greater chance of success when faced with unexpected challenges.
“This is achieved by equipping our soldiers with the necessary tools to achieve military success,” he said. The president noted that the exercise was carried out successfully, despite limited resources.
He said the NDF has perfected the concept of doing more with less in the endeavour to continuously train, improve and maintain its operational readiness. Geingob also applauded the participating troops and supporting staff for their commitment and dedication throughout the exercise.
Exercise Khan Strike II was planned with the aim to enhance joint training and interoperability amongst the Army, Air Force, Navy and Special Forces by evaluating and testing combat readiness of equipment, firepower, logistic support in the field, as well as competence of officers and troops in conventional warfare.
President Geingob awarded orders, decorations and medals to ten NDF members for their contribution to the development of the NDF in various capacities.
This includes the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshall Martin Pinehas, who was awarded Grand Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the Eagle, 1st Class.
Pinehas said the exercise was designed not only to test the members’ military skills, knowledge, endurance and discipline, but also to assess the defence force’s state of readiness in carrying out their constitutional mandate of defending and protecting the territorial integrity and national interest of the country and other national, regional and international obligations.
Pinehas stated that the exercise will go a long way in improving the capabilities of participating formations and units in carrying out their respective functions efficiently and to enhance interoperability among the services.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
