Renthia Kaimbi
India has inaugurated an advanced networking laboratory at the School of Signals at Osona Military Base to support training for the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).
The facility was opened on Monday by deputy minister of defence and veteran affairs Charles Mubita.
The event was attended by the deputy minister of international relations and trade Jenelly Matundu, the chief of the Namibian Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Pinehas, and India’s high commissioner to Namibia Rahul Shrivastava.
The government of India funded the laboratory through its defence diplomacy fund projects, with the goal of enhancing skills and training for defence personnel.
The project costs N$1 million and includes computers, smart boards, projectors and other equipment.
Five classrooms were also upgraded with smart boards, projectors and speaker systems.
The project was implemented by Indian military advisors in collaboration with the School of Signals.
Shrivastava said training is central to defence cooperation. “Training is the foundation of any capable defence force, and India is proud to be a partner in that journey.”
He said about 80 NDF members travel to India each year for specialised training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme.
Mubita said the project reflects cooperation between the two countries.
“This is not just an investment in equipment — it is an investment in the men and women who serve this country in uniform.”
He said the government remains focused on improving defence training infrastructure.
Matundu said the partnership between Namibia and India is long-standing and continues to support development in areas such as technology, maritime security and cyber security.
Pinehas said the project supports the development of the defence force.
He said it includes furniture, power supply systems and software licences and sets a standard for future projects.
He also highlighted the value of training opportunities in India and said there should be more opportunities for senior officers.
