HARARE, March 19, 2026 (NewsDay Live) — Zimbabwe and India are accelerating defence cooperation, with talks now zeroing in on high-tech warfare, arms production, and sustaining the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) air fleet.
At a Defence Industry Interaction in Harare on Wednesday, officials from both sides mapped out next steps under the February 2025 defence cooperation pact.
Top officials in attendance included Ministry of Defence Chief Director Mr. Mvere, Major General William Dube (Retd), and Air Commodore GH Mutize (Retd) of Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).
Aircraft support — particularly for the Mi-35 and Alouette fleets — took centre stage. But discussions quickly pushed into future-facing areas: artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, and lithium battery production for military use.
The meeting sets the stage for the India–Zimbabwe Joint Defence Committee talks in New Delhi this June.
“Our focus is to deepen cooperation and align with the needs of the ZDF and ZDI,” said Ambassador Bramha Kumar.
He said India’s defence sector has shifted rapidly, cutting import reliance to about 60–65% self-sufficiency.
Training ties are also expanding. India has offered more than 40 slots for ZDF personnel under its ITEC programme for 2025–26.
- ZDF in routine exercise in Mash Central
- Security officers’ involvement in armed robberies worrisome
- Unintended effects of breakdown of rule of law
- 2023 elections: Mnangagwa’s swansong?
Keep Reading
The push follows last year’s placement of a Zimbabwean officer at India’s Defence Services Staff College.
Indian officials say growing defence exports and joint ventures could unlock jobs, skills, and technology transfer for Zimbabwe.
