Air Force experts from six nations are convening in Kigali for this year’s edition of the African Partnership Flight (APF) workshop as they seek to foster effective military relationships, improve professional military aviation knowledge and skills.

Organised by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in partnership with US Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA), the week long event features a diverse range of workshops, immersions and cultural activities.

According to the statement from Rwanda Defence Force, participants were drawn from  Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, the United States of America and Rwanda the host.

Participants in a group photo. 

According to the statement, a series of multi-disciplinary courses and workshops will focus on aviation safety culture, industrial safety and personal protective equipment safety programme management.

Others include the desired level of safety programme interoperability between partner nation air forces, accident response and safety investigations, bird or wildlife aircraft strike hazard programmes, operational risk management in planning and during mission execution, and physical and physiological health among others.

Major General Charles Karamba (C) flanked by senior Air Force officers. 

While opening the workshop, RDF’s Air Force Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen Charles Karamba, pointed out that the workshops aim to share experiences, best practices in techniques and procedures and to strengthen relationships.

"Sharing of knowledge will enable better aviation capacity, mutual understanding and cooperation as well as greater interoperability,” he said

He added: "This safety workshop is the first of its kind to take place in Rwanda. It will equip Rwanda Air Force personnel and other African Air Forces present here with the knowledge and skills to cope with modern air safety standards.”

Maj. Gen Charles Karamba speaks to participants during the opening ceremony. 

Col Stephen Hughes, the representative of USAFE-AFRICA noted the importance of collaboration, cooperation and interoperability between the present Air Forces.

"Coming together is the beginning. Staying together is progress, but working together is success. I have no doubt that it’s exactly what is going to happen this week,” said Hughes.

 Participants exchange notes during the break. 

APF Rwanda will include a variety of engagement opportunities for participating nations.