Malawi’s military says outdated equipment is becoming a growing threat to operations and safety, as years of underinvestment continue to affect its ability to modernize.
Appearing before Parliament’s ad-hoc committee investigating the Chikangawa plane crash, Malawi Defence Force Commander General George Jafu Jnr said the military is operating with ageing systems because efforts to procure modern equipment have been hampered by financial challenges and chronic foreign exchange shortages.
He told lawmakers that while the MDF continues to fulfill its mandate of protecting Malawians, the force has not modernised at the pace required to meet future security demands.
“The security of Malawians is intact,” Jafu assured the committee. However, he acknowledged that many of the military’s systems and equipment are outdated because planned purchases have not been completed.
The MDF commander appealed to parliamentarians to support efforts aimed at modernising the country’s defence capabilities, arguing that the importance of military preparedness is often overlooked during times of peace.
According to Jafu, the absence of major security threats can create the impression that investment in defence equipment is unnecessary. He cautioned, however, that the value of modern military assets becomes apparent when a crisis emerges.
“Today it may appear simple because the country is peaceful, but when something happens, that is when you realise the importance of having modern equipment,” he told the committee.
Jafu also pointed to procurement difficulties linked to foreign exchange shortages, saying several payments for equipment remain outstanding.
He noted that some critical aviation equipment has become difficult or impossible to source because manufacturers have discontinued older technologies, requiring more costly system replacements.
His testimony sheds light on the wider challenges facing the MDF as it seeks to maintain operational readiness amid economic constraints.
The remarks are likely to renew debate over defence spending priorities and whether the military has received sufficient resources to modernise key equipment while maintaining national security responsibilities.
Parliament’s inquiry into the Chikangawa crash continues to hear evidence from military and aviation officials as lawmakers examine issues related to aircraft operations, procurement and safety systems within the defence force.
