MODERNIZING MALAWI’S DEFENCE FORCE FOR SOVEREIGNTY, SECURITY, AND OPERATIONAL READINESS
27.1 Overview
The 2024 military aircraft crash that killed Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima tragically revealed the urgent need for reform. A sovereign nation cannot afford defence failures rooted in underinvestment, obsolete infrastructure, and weak oversight.
Aligned with MW2063’s Effective Governance, Human Capital Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Security Enabler, UTM envisions a strong, modern MDF equipped for 21st-century challenges—from defending territorial borders to responding to disasters and cyber threats. Through investments in equipment, training, technology, and institutional capacity, Malawi will be better prepared to protect its people, its leaders, and its future.
27.2 Structural and Operational Challenges
Obsolete aircraft, naval vessels, and land mobility assets undermine operational
safety.
- No operational drone systems for surveillance, rescue, or border patrol.
- Limited training opportunities for pilots, engineers, drone operators, and
cybersecurity personnel. - Weak aviation safety systems and no independent oversight body.
- Absence of dedicated disaster response units for floods, cyclones, or national emergencies.
emergencies. - No military cyber defence command in an era of growing digital threats.
- Inadequate housing, healthcare, and retirement support for soldiers and veterans.
- Lack of local manufacturing capacity for basic military needs like uniforms, rations,
and spares. - Poorly equipped border posts and porous borders encourage illegal cross-border
trade and migration. - Weak morale due to outdated uniforms, inadequate training, and lack of purposebuilt
service schools.
27.3 By 2030 UTM Targets
Establish a fully equipped Disaster Response Division with drones, boats, and
medical teams.
- Launch the National Cyber Command within MDF to protect public systems and
infrastructure. - Complete acquisition of new-generation helicopter and naval assets for critical
national missions. - Operationalize air defence surveillance systems and radar coverage.
- Train and deploy 200 new pilots, drone operators, engineers, and cybersecurity
personnel. - Construct 2,000 housing units and barracks for MDF officers and families across key zones.
• Ensure 30% of military procurement (non-combat gear, food, basic tech) is sourced locally. - Establish purpose-built Schools for Services – including Infantry, Aviation, and Naval
Training Academies.
27.4 Reform Pillars
27.4.1 Military Equipment and Infrastructure Reform
Alignment with MW2063: Supports Infrastructure Resilience and National Security
Enabler.
- Replace outdated aircraft and vessels with
modern, safe, and climate-resilient alternatives. - Introduce military-grade drones and a robust air defence system (including surveillance radar and air mobility) for territorial integrity, border protection, and emergency response.
- Establish early warning systems and airspace monitoring protocols.
- Reconstruct and equip forward operating bases near strategic borders to counter illegal crossborder trade and undocumented migration.
- Upgrade airstrips, barracks, and bases using climate-proof construction models.
- Supply the military with modern uniforms fit for purpose, emphasizing tactical
safety, climate resilience, and national pride.
27.4.2 Training, Talent, and Technological Advancement
Alignment with MW2063: Enhances Human Capital Development through elite,
modern skills.
- Establish international partnerships for pilot, drone operator, and engineer training.
- Expand Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO) and upgrade the Malawi School of Infantry and other Service Academies (MASCOF) into a unified National Defence Training Network.
- Establish new Schools for Services: including dedicated academies for Infantry, Aviation, Naval Operations, Engineering, and Cyber Warfare.
- Upgrade the Malawi National Service to
contribute significantly to both national security and community development.
- Allocate dedicated and adequate funding for ongoing professional military
education, simulation facilities, and field excercises to boost morale and operational capability. - Enhance strategic leadership training for commanding officers to improve ethics,
logistics, and operational discipline.
27.4.3 Cybersecurity and Information Defence
Alignment with MW2063: Promotes Technology Adoption and State Resilience Enabler.
- Create a Cybersecurity Command Unit
within MDF for cyber defence, digital
infrastructure protection, and offensive
capability. - Train cyber soldiers in coordination with
global cyber defence centres. - Secure public infrastructure including
electoral systems, financial services, and government records. - Expand ICT defence capabilities
in collaboration with the Malawi
Communications Regulatory Authority and
National Security institutions.
27.4.4 Disaster Response and Climate Resilience
Alignment with MW2063: Advances Environmental Sustainability and Public Sector
Performance.
- Establish 3 regional Disaster Response Brigades using drones, boats, medics, and
mobile logistics. - Coodinate flood, cyclone, landslide, and
pandemic responses in partnership with DoDMA. - Train units in paramedicine, logistics delivery, evacuation, and water rescue.
- Position MDF as a frontline responder in national climate resilience strategy.
27.4.5 Welfare, Housing, and Veterans Support
Alignment with MW2063: Enhances Governance, Equity, and Human Security.
- Construct 2,000 housing units with water, electricity, internet, and sanitation across
all zones. - Create the MDF Veterans & Families Fund to support retired officers and bereaved families.
- Streamline pensions, life insurance, and trauma rehabilitation services for serving members.
- Introduce military family welfare programs,
educational bursaries for children, and spousal support initiatives. - Provide psychological counselling, financial literacy, and career transition services to improve long-term soldier wellbeing.
27.4.6 Defence-Industrial Development & Local Procurement
Alignment with MW2063: Stimulates Private Sector Dynamism and Local Value Chains.
- Build and develop a domestic Defence Industry in partnership with local farms and global partners.
- Support manufacturing of non-lithal gear: uniforms, boots, filed rations, and communication kits.
- Assemble basic drones, vehicles, and spare parts locally through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
- Institutionalize a National Defence Procurement Authority for ethical, transparent, and cost-efficient sourcing.
- Use procurement offset policies to mandate knowledge and job transfer in all foreign military purchases.
27.5 Expected Outcomes by 2035
- A modern and respected MDF capable of defending Malawi’s people and territorial integrity.
- Trained soldiers, engineers, pilots, and cyber specialists equipped for modern
warfare and peacetime operations. - Improved aviation safety and border control, reducing illicit trade and infiltration
- Boost in morale through professional training, modern uniforms, and welfare benefits
- Local job creation via defence-related manufacturing, logistics, and academy
development. - Stronger leadership pipeline within MDF that enhances professionalism and
institutional resilience.
27.6 Estimated Investment and Proposed Funding Sources: $500 million over the
next decade
- National Defence Budget: Gradually scaled up to 1.5% of GDP.
- Diaspora Sovereignty Bonds: To fund capital defence and disaster infrastructure.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): For housing, manufacturing, ICT, drone
assembly, and uniform production. - International Military Aid and Training Grants: From partners like AU, India, US,
Europe, SADC, UK, etc. - Procurement Offsets: Requiring foreign suppliers to invest in local capabilities and
training.
Conclusion
A modern Malawi cannot prosper without defending its people, territory, and digital sovereignty. Under UTM, we will modernize the MDF into a respected, responsive, and resilient force. Whether facing floodwaters or foreign threats, our soldiers will be trained, equipped, and honored Our borders will be secure. Our skies monitored. And our soldiers and their families supported. We will build a Defence Force that reflects the strength and dignity of our Republic.