Windhoek, 29 March 2019: Namibia and other 16 African nations concluded the inaugural edition of Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) at Aundh Military Station in India.

The 10-day exercise (18-27 March) was India's initiative and it reflects the growing strategic ties between India and the African continent.

The aim of the exercise was to practice the participating nations in planning and conducting of Humanitarian Mine Assistance and Peacekeeping Operations under Chapter 7 of the UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Ten Namibian Defence Force members arrived home safely from AFINDEX-2019

Is that a Dutch flag held by one individual?

What is the surface texture on the RG32s?

Should be the Indian flag

Namibian Army

Marine Petty officer sporting his 'Special Operations' & 'Amphibious Commando' patches

Is that a Dutch flag held by one individual?

I believe you are looking at the Egyptian Red/White/Black flag. There are other photographs of the event where you can see the colours more clearly - it is just in this photograph where the black seems to have a hint of blue. Due to the way it is hanging, you also don't see the golden Eagle of Saladin emblem, which is maybe another reason it could be confused with the Dutch flag.

What is the surface texture on the RG32s?

NAMIBIA last week witnessed the change of command, with major general Nestor Shalauda retiring, and major general Matheus Alueendo taking over the reins as commander of the army.

The change of command took place at the Lieutenant General Dimo Hamaambo Garrison at Grootfontein.

In his address, Shalauda bid farewell to the rank and file of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), particularly the Namibian army, adding that he was grateful to God for granting him the opportunity to serve his country at that level.

Shalauda also thanked the Ministry of Defence's leadership for entrusting him to lead the Namibian army until retirement.

He congratulated Alueendo for his appointment as army commander, and expressed confidence that the new chief will be able to propel the army into achieving its vision.

In his acceptance speech, Alueendo said he felt honoured and privileged to be appointed the seventh Namibian army commander.

“In fact, this is a fundamental symbol of confidence and trust bestowed upon me by the political and military leadership of the ministry, and indeed the president of the Republic of Namibia and the commander-in chief of the NDF, his excellency Hage Geingob,” he added.

Alueendo then pledged to discharge his duties to the best of his ability with zeal and commitment, and to uphold the core values of integrity, loyalty, professionalism, and to render selfless service to fulfil the constitutional obligations of the NDF.

He also pointed out which areas would be prioritised during his tenure, including undertaking command and control in order to maintain the level of preparedness of the army to protect and defend Namibia and safeguard its territorial integrity.

He wished major general Shalauda well on behalf of the entire army as he embarks on a new life of retirement.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Defence, including minister Penda ya Ndakolo and acting chief of the defence force, air vice marshal Martin Pinehas. – Nampa

Botswana Defence Force Commando training

Botswana Defence Force Millitary Hardware on Parade at the 50th Independence Celebration. Courtesy of Botswana Aviation Art