By Victor Simz

ZAMBIANISATION OF THE AIR FORCE


When Zambia gained independence in 1964, its Air Force was still under British command. The first Air Commander, Group Captain W.A. Griffiths, led from 1964 to 1966, followed by Group Captains H. Kilduff (1966–1968), E.K.C. Millington (1968–1970), and S.R. Hayland (1970–1972). These men provided continuity during the transition but also highlighted a pressing question: When would Zambians take full command of their skies?

That historic moment came on 1st March 1972, a day now celebrated as Air Force Day, when Wing Commander Peter Zuze — later Lieutenant General — was appointed the first indigenous Zambian Air Force Commander. His appointment symbolized the true Zambianisation of the Force. Zuze's leadership paved the way for generations of Zambian officers. By 1976, he became Commander of the unified Zambia National Defence Force (ZNDF), which briefly brought together the Army, Air Force, and National Service under one command structure.

During this era, other Zambian officers stepped forward:

  • Brigadier General V.M. Simbule served as Chief of Staff until the ZNDF was dissolved in 1980.

  • Major General C. Kabwe briefly commanded the Air Force in October 1980.

  • Lieutenant General Hananiah B.M. Lungu, then a Lieutenant Colonel, was appointed Air Commander, marking another milestone in Zambian leadership of the skies.

Securing Zambia's Airspace

Independence brought pride — but also vulnerability. Between 1964 and 1968, Zambia's skies were repeatedly violated by South African military aircraft, conducting aerial photography and surveillance. These intrusions alarmed the Government, which sought to strengthen Zambia's air defence.

Efforts to purchase missiles and fighter aircraft from Britain and France were unsuccessful. Both governments opposed Zambia's support for liberation movements from neighbouring countries still under colonial or minority rule. This rejection forced Zambia to turn eastward, securing assistance from Yugoslavia, Italy, and China. This shift reshaped Zambia's military training policies, reducing dependence on Britain and opening cooperation with Eastern nations.

Building a Deterrent Force

Zambia's leaders realized that controlling its skies required a clear policy of deterrence. The Air Force proposed establishing a Fighter Squadron equipped with radar systems, as well as light ground-attack aircraft to support ground troops. The BAC 167 Jet (Strike Master) became central to this vision. With its cannons, bombs, and rockets — and a top speed of over 300 knots (350 mph) — the aircraft could provide close air support, act as a fast courier, and even offer limited air defence in combat.

At the same time, the Air Force highlighted the urgent need for armed helicopters. British experts recommended the Bell Iroquois (Huey), which could carry door gunners with machine guns or drop small bombs, offering offensive support for ground forces. For reconnaissance, Zambia relied on its rugged Beavers, while transport operations required aircraft capable of lifting troops, airdropping supplies, and evacuating casualties.

Strengthening the Fleet and Bases

In response to these pressing needs, the Government released funds and entered into government-to-government agreements to expand the fleet. By the end of 1967, the Zambia Air Force had acquired 48 new aircraft:

  • 4 Chipmunks (trainers)

  • 9 Beavers (communications and reconnaissance)

  • 8 Helicopters

  • 4 Dakotas (transport)

  • 4 Caribous (medium transport)

  • 1 Presidential Aircraft

  • 2 Pembrokes (transport and liaison)

  • 16 BAC 167s (fighter/ground-attack)

To support these assets, Zambia established three air bases:

  • Mbala – strengthening defence in the north.

  • Livingstone – retained as the training station.

  • Lusaka – the main transport and maintenance hub.

From these bases, the Zambia Air Force began its transformation from a modest colonial inheritance into a sovereign guardian of the skies, ready to defend the nation. 


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