LUSAKA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday said his government is committed to equipping the country's defense forces with modern equipment to enable them address new security challenges.
He said the need for modern defense systems could not be overemphasized in view of the country's growing economy, coupled with huge investments from local and foreign investors.
The Zambian leader, who made the remarks when he officially opened the L-15 Simulator Training Center for the Zambia Air Force, said the country needs to move with the rest of the world in the provision of security.
The state-of-the-art-technology Simulator Training Center has been established with the assistance of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), the president said.
He commended the Chinese firm for being a committed partner to government in modernizing the country's security and defense wings.
The Chinese firm also helped the Zambia Air Force in constructing a state-of-the-art L-15 hangar.
The construction of the Simulator Training Center was aimed at training the pilots' flying skills through cost-effective, safe and realistic training methods on highly computerized and technologically advanced L-15 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft, the Zambian leader said.
"Indeed, this cost-effective facility is progressive and it enhances the safety of our pilots and aircraft, thereby reducing expenditure on unnecessary procurement of aircraft," he said.
Eric Chimese, Commander of the Zambia Air Force, said on the same occasion that the opening of the Simulator Training Center redefines and opens a new chapter in flying training of fighter pilots in the air force.
The computer-based ground training systems in aviation have played a major role in building pilots' skills and confidence by providing cost-effective ways of training, he said.
According to Li Houding, CATIC's regional chief, the L-15 Simulator Training Center is the most advanced in Africa and will enable the Zambia Air Force to build up a cohort of well-trained pilots.
