This is not an isolated development as other neighbouring air forces have also been beefing up their air forces. Zambia had eight of its MiG-21s upgraded by Israel Aircraft Industries to MiG-21-2000 series. Namibia acquired a dozen F-7NMs, one of the most lethal variants of the F-7s to come out of China. Zimbabwe has ex-Libyan MiG-23 ‘Floggers’ and BAe Hawk-60s in storage- operates a squadron of F-7IIs and placed an order for 12 Chengdu FC-1 ‘Fierce Dragons’ from China.
Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe use K-8 ‘Karakorum’ trainers they acquired from China. Significant resources are required in order to get Mozambique’s MiG-21s air borne again.South Africa is taking delivery of some 24 BAe Hawk-120 fighter trainers and 28 JAS-39 ‘Gripen’ multi-role fighters giving it an edge over regional air forces for a long time.
Cassius Sande, Harare
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