Plans are underway to modernise the army and equip it with state-of-the-art weapons to match global technological advancement. The Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the government would procure modern weapons and refurbish the existing ones to increase efficiency of the army.
The plan goes hand in hand with investments in the training of staff both locally and abroad, said Dr Mwinyi when closing the 45th anniversary exhibitions of the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) at Ukonga Airwing in the city.
He further said the move to equip the army followed its request to the government to enable it cope with global science and technology innovations that are likely to affect it directly or indirectly.
Rapid technological changes are among challenges that our army faces. However, concerted efforts are being taken to ensure that our army is not overtaken by these advancements, said Dr Mwinyi.
He added that a well equipped TPDF should be able to operate more scientifically and efficiently both during combat and when executing other humanitarian activities such as rescue missions in cases of hazards like floods or famine.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Davis Mwamunyange, has warned that the army will not tolerate any soldier who will violate the forces code of ethics, saying stern measures would be taken against culprits.
Gen Mwamunyange said reports that some soldiers were involved in criminal acts were disturbing, and he vowed that no stone would be left unturned in a campaign to cleanse the army of misbehaving soldiers.
We have to be scrupulous in recruiting only faithful, committed and disciplined youths who have the nations interest at heart to make sure we have a competent and professional army, he noted.
Daily News
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