By Staff Reporter
The Government of India has handed over an advanced networking laboratory at the School of Signals in Okahandja as part of efforts to strengthen defence cooperation and capacity building with Namibia.
The facility, located at the Osona Military Base, was officially opened on Monday by the deputy minister of defence and veteran affairs Charles Mubita.
The project forms part of India’s Defence Diplomacy Fund initiatives aimed at supporting training and skills development within the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).The advanced networking lab is equipped with computers, smart boards, projectors and other information technology equipment designed to enhance training in communication and networking systems.
As part of the project, five classrooms at the institution were also upgraded with smart boards, projectors and speaker systems.The project cost approximately N$1 million.
The event was attended by deputy minister of international relations and trade Jenelly Matundu, chief of the defence force Air Marshal Martin Pinehas and India’s High Commissioner to Namibia Rahul Shrivastava.
Mubita described the new facility as a reflection of the growing defence ties between the two countries, saying it represents an investment in the development of the NDF.
“This is not just an investment in equipment, but an investment in the men and women who serve this country in uniform,” Mubita said.
Matundu added that the partnership between Namibia and India continues to contribute to national development, noting that the two countries share historical ties rooted in their struggle for independence and common democratic values.
Also adding his voice, Pinehas commended the Indian military advisors and the directorate of ICT for their role in delivering the project. He said the initiative includes furniture, uninterrupted power supply systems and lifetime software licences.
Pinehas also acknowledged the Indian training programme through which Namibian personnel receive specialised training in India and expressed hope that opportunities for senior officers would be expanded in the future.
The laboratory is expected to strengthen the technological capabilities of the Namibian Defence Force and support training in areas such as cyber and communication systems.
On his part, Shrivastava said training remains central to strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. He noted that about 80 NDF personnel travel to India each year for specialised training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme.
“Training is the foundation of any capable defence force, and India is proud to support capacity building in Namibia,” Shrivastava said.
