The Tunisian air force can become a regional hub for training African, Arab and non-Arab air forces, said Minister of Defence Imed Memmich.
The minister said at the opening of the 13th annual African Air Chiefs Symposium (February 26 – March 1) on the theme “African Cooperation in Training ” Tunisian expertise in training will help the country become a civil aviation leader owing to the signing of several agreements to this end.
The conference is an opportunity for African armies to debate several issues in relation to the reality on the ground and the various challenges in connection to lack of resources, equipment upgrade and the provision of military air expertise, the minister said.
Tunisia’s air force seeks to become a regional hub for training.
The meeting, attended by over 40 chiefs of staff of African air forces, sheds light on the expertise of the Tunisian air force in the development of training in various military education institutions and training centres.
Memich placed emphasis on gains in
training, aerial surveillance, the development of intelligence and tactical night fying for the Tunisian air force.
The fleet of military aircraft was beefed up, the minister said, along with the know-how of military personnal in unifying work methods and tackle challenges based on practical experience.
The Defence minister also said African countries are today faced with the same challenges in relation to security and stability, hence the need for adopting a unified training method in line with international standards.
Tunisia, he said, intends to create military schools and training centres geared towards the armies of neighbour countries and others to shed light on the Tunisian experience.
The event, running until March 1, saw the participation of Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa James Hecker and Military Adviser in the UN Department of Peace Operations General Birame Diop.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse