Malanje - The Chief of Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), Aviation General Altino Carlos dos Santos, reaffirmed on Tuesday in Malanje the ongoing modernization and re-equipment of the National Air Force (FAN) to better fulfill its role and mission.
Speaking on the occasion of the National Air Force Day, celebrated on January 21, the General said that despite the financial constraints imposed by the current context, the ongoing re-equipment will continue and therefore realistic priorities will be set.
The general added that the Angola Armed Forces (FAA) wants an increasingly strong, modern and well-equipped National Air Force, with well-trained personnel and a high sense of patriotism, to guarantee the inviolability of the skies.
The reform of the FAA is a central and unavoidable issue. To this end, we are continuing to modernize, restructure and re-equip the FAA, which is essential if it is to be able to effectively face the challenges of the future,' said the General.
Altino Carlos stressed that the modernization is aimed at the continued defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity, equipping the Defense Forces with a wide range of combat and operational capabilities and making them a decisive factor in the success of different and varied missions.
According to the General, this branch of the FAA has always been able to overcome critical moments and keep up with the dynamics of the times, in order to cope with the turbulent periods that have marked Angola's history.
Over the course of 49 years, the National Air Force has undergone various stages of human, technical and aeronautical development, which have contributed to its current size and prestige.
For this reason, the general said, the FAN has always counted on brave men who, with a fighting spirit and a high level of patriotism, have been able to read the signs of the times, dedicating themselves body, soul and heart to the cause of their homeland, shedding sweat, tears and blood on the battlefields.
The 49th anniversary of the National Air Force, which took place at Malanje airport and was attended by the provincial governor, Marcos Nhunga, and senior FAA commanders, was marked by the patenting of personnel, a parade of troops and the launch of paratroopers.PBC/AMP
