Luanda – Angolan president João Lourenço on Tuesday reaffirmed that the modernization process underway at the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) will continue, especially at the level of the Navy.
The Angolan president made the statement at the inauguration ceremony of the first phase of the National Maritime Coordination and Surveillance Centre, underlining that these are investments on land that includes the acquisition of modern vessels and surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
João Lourenço explained that following the inauguration of the Soyo base, in Zaire and Luanda provinces, the construction of the Lobito and Namibe bases will be completed this year.
The president announced the construction of the largest central naval base in the country, while the current one is being given a facelift and the acquisition of three maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft from Spain.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces added his mission has been partially accomplished, as the centers in Lobito and Namibe are currently under construction to be finished this year.
The Minister of National Defense, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, João Ernesto dos Santos, on his turn, said the recently inaugurated infrastructure is essential to secure the economic exploitation and protection of the sea.JFS/VIC/AMP
