Luanda: Minister of National Defence, Former Combatants and Homeland Veterans Lºcio do Amaral on Thursday identified the improvement of infrastructure and the welfare of personnel as key priorities for strengthening the capabilities of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA).
According to Angola Press News Agency, speaking to the press at the end of a visit to the 5th Air Defence Brigade of the Angolan National Air Force, Lºcio do Amaral explained that priorities would be established jointly with the FAA Command during a forthcoming meeting aimed at assessing the main challenges and defining the actions to be implemented. 'If I could solve everything in a single day, I would. We will determine the priorities ourselves during a meeting that we will hold with the Command so that we can define what must be done first,' he said.
Regarding logistics, the minister described the situation in the warehouses visited as satisfactory, highlighting the availability of sufficient resources to meet the needs of the units. On air transport and mobility, Lºcio do Amaral stated that the assets currently available adequately meet the requirements of the National Air Force.
In the field of technology, he highlighted the availability of drones and other equipment designed to facilitate aerial border patrol operations. According to the minister, these assets may also be used in coordination with the Angolan Navy (MGA) as part of the maritime surveillance programme.
Asked about the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to automate monitoring and patrol activities, Lºcio do Amaral stressed the need for the Armed Forces to keep pace with technological developments. 'We cannot afford to fall behind. This is a dynamic process and we must become part of that dynamic in order to keep up with the pace of change taking place in society,' he underlined. The minister therefore considered the adoption of new technologies to be essential for strengthening the operational and surveillance capabilities of the Angolan Armed Forces.
During the field visit, Lºcio do Amaral inspected the Air Defence Unit, the 17th Helicopter Air Regiment, the 7th Transport Air Regiment and other military units.
