The Mozambican Air Force (FAM) is taking steps to strengthen its aircrew training capacity through collaboration with the Zambia Air Force (ZAF). In a recent engagement, Lt Col Bernado Macavi, one of FAM’s chief instructors, visited ZAF Lusaka to gain first-hand exposure to the Mi-17 helicopter simulator, a key component of Zambia’s advanced rotary-wing training programme.
The visit, which took place on Monday, 13 October 2025, marks a growing partnership between the two neighbouring air forces in the area of flight simulation and pilot development.
Accompanying Lt Col Macavi, the Mozambican Defence Attaché to Zambia, Col Lourenco Silvestre Mabuiangue, highlighted the significance of Zambia’s training infrastructure, describing the Mi-17 simulator as “one of the best of its kind in the world.” He added that Mozambique stands to benefit immensely from accessing such a facility, which provides realistic mission scenarios and cost-effective pilot training opportunities.
During the visit, Lt Col Philip Mubanga and Lt Col Caeser Kanyanga of the Zambia Air Force conducted a detailed orientation, demonstrating the simulator’s systems and its role in maintaining flight proficiency and operational readiness.
The engagement underscores the increasing emphasis by African air forces on regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and simulation-based training to enhance safety, efficiency, and mission success.
