The Malawi Defence Force

The Malawi Defence Force The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) is Malawi’s sole military, comprising the Malawi Army, Malawi Air Force, Malawi Navy, and Malawi National Service.
(1)

Established under Section 159 of the Constitution and the Defence Force Act of 2024, the MDF operates under the President as Commander-in-Chief, with powers exercised on the Defence Council’s recommendation. The Chief of Defence Forces, based at Joint Headquarters, is the highest-ranking officer and principal military advisor to the President.

MDF HEALTH SERVICES LAUNCHES INAUGURAL ADVANCED TACTICAL COMBAT CASUALTY CARE TRAININGThe Malawi Defence Force Health Se...
07/09/2026

MDF HEALTH SERVICES LAUNCHES INAUGURAL ADVANCED TACTICAL COMBAT CASUALTY CARE TRAINING

The Malawi Defence Force Health Services (MDFHS) commenced its inaugural Advanced Tactical Combat Casualty Care (ATCCC) training at Kamuzu Barracks on Monday, 7 September 2026.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, MDFHS Commandant, Colonel (Dr) Geoffery Ndekha, described the programme as a significant milestone in strengthening the service's capacity to save lives in demanding operational environments.

He urged participants to approach the training with seriousness, discipline, and an open mind, stressing the importance of confidence, sound judgement, and practical skill in casualty care.

The five-day training has brought together 36 service members drawn from all MDF camp hospitals.

By Corporal Alphia Selemani

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/mdf-health-services-launches-inaugural-advanced-tactical-combat-casualty-care-training

DEFENCE MINISTER DR. FESTON KAUPA, MP, VISITS MDF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGEHonourable Dr. Feston Kaupa, MP, Minister of ...
04/09/2026

DEFENCE MINISTER DR. FESTON KAUPA, MP, VISITS MDF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE

Honourable Dr. Feston Kaupa, MP, Minister of Defence, paid his maiden visit to the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Command and Staff College, Fish Eagle, in Salima on Thursday, 3 September 2026.

Upon arrival, the Minister inspected a Guard of Honour before holding discussions with the College's Commandant, Major General Vincent Moyo. He was then taken through an institutional orientation highlighting the College's role, current programmes, and achievements.

The Minister went on to tour the College's facilities before interacting with student officers who are undergoing the Senior Command and Staff Course, as well as members of the Directing Staff faculty.

Speaking during the visit, the Defence Minister underscored the importance of Professional Military Education (PME) and the College's role in national security, while reassuring the institution of the government's continued commitment to supporting its activities.

By Corporal Alphia Selemani

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/defence-minister-dr-feston-kaupa-mp-visits-mdf-command-and-staff-college

1 MALAWI RIFLES HOSTS INTER-COMPANY CROSS-COUNTRY COMPETITION1 Malawi Rifles (1MR), the First Battalion of the Malawi Ar...
04/09/2026

1 MALAWI RIFLES HOSTS INTER-COMPANY CROSS-COUNTRY COMPETITION

1 Malawi Rifles (1MR), the First Battalion of the Malawi Army, staged its Inter-Company Cross-Country Competition on Friday, 4 September 2026. The spirited showdown brought all companies of the unit together in the name of fitness, unity, and friendly rivalry.

Addressing the troops during the event, the unit's Commanding Officer, Colonel Wilfred Mpamela, urged soldiers to treat the exercise as part of their preparation for the unit's operations. He added that competitions like this build physical fitness, a quality that remains essential for every soldier.

The competition sparked fierce company pride, with A Company taking overall honours in the men's category and D Company dominating the women's category. Both winning teams took home various prizes.

Cross-country competitions build the stamina, discipline, and mental toughness that soldiers rely on in the field. They strengthen bonds between companies, boost morale, and give commanders a genuine, hands-on gauge of unit fitness and cohesion.

MDF HEALTH SERVICES PARTNERS 2 MALAWI RIFLES IN FITNESS DRIVE FOR A READY, RESILIENT FORCEThe Malawi Defence Force (MDF)...
28/08/2026

MDF HEALTH SERVICES PARTNERS 2 MALAWI RIFLES IN FITNESS DRIVE FOR A READY, RESILIENT FORCE

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Health Service, in collaboration with 2 Malawi Rifles of Kamuzu Barracks, on Friday conducted a joint road walk and run exercise, code-named LIMBA MWENDO, aimed at promoting the physical fitness and combat readiness of service members.

Covering 14.5 kilometers, a distance comparable to the traditional military Nine Miles Run, the formation moved as a single body through the Presidential Highway, the City Centre, and back to the Kamuzu Barracks Parade Square, combining sustained running with tactical march discipline over the route.

Speaking in an interview after the exercise, Colonel (Dr) Geoffrey Ndekha, Health Services Commandant, said the exercise was designed to enhance combat readiness, strengthen unit cohesion, and instil healthy lifestyle habits across the Force.

"Physical fitness remains a key pillar of military effectiveness. Preparedness and physical training will help our personnel remain healthy, disciplined, and operationally ready," said Col Ndekha.

Explaining the decision to pair Military Health Service personnel with an infantry unit, Col Ndekha said the pairing was deliberate as medical personnel are trained and expected to operate as combat-capable soldiers first.

By Sergeant Joseph Phiri

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/mdf-health-services-partners-2-malawi-rifles-in-fitness-drive-for-a-ready-resilient-force

STRENGTHENING MILITARY COOPERATION: MALAWI CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE VISITS TANZANIA PEOPLE'S DEFENCE FORCESGeneral George ...
21/08/2026

STRENGTHENING MILITARY COOPERATION: MALAWI CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE VISITS TANZANIA PEOPLE'S DEFENCE FORCES

General George Alexander Jaffu Jnr, Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Malawi Defence Force (MDF), is currently in Tanzania at the invitation of his counterpart, General Jacob John Mkunda, Chief of Defence Force, Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), for engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two Defence Forces.

The visit began with a courtesy call on Tanzania's Minister of Defence and National Service, Honourable Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, who welcomed General Jaffu and reflected on the long-standing and cordial relationship between the peoples of Tanzania and Malawi. The Minister congratulated General Jaffu on his appointment as CDF and expressed his Ministry's commitment to sustaining and strengthening the partnership between the MDF and TPDF.

General Jaffu was thereafter hosted by his counterpart for a closed-door meeting, during which the two Chiefs discussed avenues for enhancing military cooperation, including continued collaboration on Peace Support Operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and joint efforts to counter transnational crime affecting both nations.

As part of a packed itinerary, General Jaffu is also expected to visit the Tanzania National Counter-Terrorism Centre and the SADC Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre. He will also visit the Tanzanian Defence Industry at Mzinga Corporation's Production Facilities.

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/strengthening-military-cooperation-malawi-chief-of-defence-force-visits-tanzania-peoples-defence-forces

MALAWI NAVY HOSTS COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS ON LAKE MALAWI VOYAGEThe Malawi Navy conducted a Lake Malawi voyage on S...
16/08/2026

MALAWI NAVY HOSTS COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS ON LAKE MALAWI VOYAGE

The Malawi Navy conducted a Lake Malawi voyage on Saturday, 15 August 2026, for members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA.

The voyage departed from Wheelhouse in Salima District, giving local and visiting parliamentarians a first-hand view of the lake and the Navy's daily operations.

Officials highlighted the lake's strategic and economic importance to Malawi and the region, citing its role in trade, fisheries, transport and security.

Brigadier General Halton Phiri, Commander Malawi Navy, said the trip strengthened ties with Commonwealth nations and demonstrated Malawi's commitment to protecting the lake and preventing illegal cross-border activity.

CPA delegate Honourable Tony Fletcher praised the lake's scenic beauty and commended the Navy's professionalism and hospitality.
The voyage reinforced the Navy's mandate to safeguard Lake Malawi as a key national and regional asset while showcasing Commonwealth cooperation.

By S/Sgt Starford Tsonga – Malawi Navy

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/malawi-navy-hosts-commonwealth-parliamentarians-on-lake-malawi-voyage

CHIEF OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY GROUP BIDS FAREWELL TO MALAWI DEFENCE FORCE LEADERSHIPMajor Ben Snider, Chief of the...
05/08/2026

CHIEF OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY GROUP BIDS FAREWELL TO MALAWI DEFENCE FORCE LEADERSHIP

Major Ben Snider, Chief of the United States Military Group at the U.S. Embassy in Malawi, paid a courtesy call on Malawi Defence Force Chief of Defence Force, General George Alexander Jaffu Jnr, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, marking the conclusion of his tour of duty in the country.

During the meeting, Major Snider expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between the U.S. Embassy and the Malawi Defence Force, thanking General Jaffu Jnr for his support and collaboration throughout his tour of duty. Major Snider noted that continued cooperation between the two institutions has helped advance shared security objectives.

He also introduced his successor, Major Harrison Barber, who will assume the role of Chief of the United States Military Group, Malawi. General Jaffu Jnr welcomed Major Barber and reaffirmed the Malawi Defence Force's commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with the U.S. Embassy.

By WOII Chainas Grefield SUNTCHE

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/chief-of-the-united-states-military-group-bids-farewell-to-malawi-defence-force-leadership

PARLIAMENTARY DEFENCE AND SECURITY COMMITTEE VISITS MDF HEADQUARTERSLed by its Chairperson, Honourable Monica Chang'anam...
29/07/2026

PARLIAMENTARY DEFENCE AND SECURITY COMMITTEE VISITS MDF HEADQUARTERS

Led by its Chairperson, Honourable Monica Chang'anamuno, MP, the Defence and Security Committee of the National Assembly today paid a working visit to the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Joint Headquarters in Lilongwe, where members interacted with the Force's Management. The visit forms part of the Committee's constitutional oversight mandate and offered an opportunity for legislators and MDF leadership to engage directly on matters affecting the institution.

During the visit, General George Alexander Jaffu (Jnr), the Chief of Defence Force, briefed the Committee on the current state of the Force, ongoing operations, welfare matters, and progress on various institutional priorities. The engagement offered members of the Committee a valuable opportunity to engage on matters at the heart of national security.

The Defence and Security Committee is established under Section 162 of the Constitution and is mandated to oversee the functioning of the Defence Force and to ensure that the Force is well-resourced to carry out its functions. The Committee also oversees the implementation of policies, legislation, decisions and budgets of the Defence Force, in addition to performing any other functions conferred on it under the Constitution or the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

MDF AND INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION HOLD JOINT YOGA SESSIONThe Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Indian High Commission held...
22/07/2026

MDF AND INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION HOLD JOINT YOGA SESSION

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Indian High Commission held a joint yoga session on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at Kamuzu Barracks, MDF Headquarters in Lilongwe, to promote mental health management.

The session is part of ongoing efforts to build physical fitness, prevent injury, and strengthen mental resilience among service members. Its benefits extend beyond operational readiness to general health, discipline, recovery, and focus.

The activity reflects the broader partnership between MDF and the Indian High Commission in health, culture, and institutional capacity building, underscoring a shared commitment to personnel welfare and mental wellness.

Yoga, an ancient Indian mind-body practice, connects body, breath, and mind to build balance, strength, and calm. Originally a spiritual discipline practised by sages and monks seeking inner mastery, it is now widely embraced for its physical and mental health benefits.

By Sergeant Joseph Phiri

ZOMBA AIR BASE ENHANCES OPERATIONAL READINESS WITH BATTLE FITNESS TESTOn Friday, July 17, 2026, Zomba Air Base (ZAB) of ...
17/07/2026

ZOMBA AIR BASE ENHANCES OPERATIONAL READINESS WITH BATTLE FITNESS TEST

On Friday, July 17, 2026, Zomba Air Base (ZAB) of the Malawi Air Force (MAF) conducted a Battle Fitness Test (BFT) to evaluate and sustain the physical readiness of its airmen and officers. The assessment included timed endurance runs, sprints, push-ups, squats, and sit-ups, with results measured against age- and gender-adjusted standards.

BFT is a specialised military evaluation designed to ensure personnel possess the endurance, strength, and resilience required for combat. Unlike standard fitness tests, it simulates battlefield conditions to better prepare soldiers for real operational demands. By standardizing fitness across all ranks, MAF ensures every member is equipped to perform effectively in fulfilling its mission.

By Captain Songelwayo Madise

Address

Malawi Defence Force Joint Headquarters, Private Bag 43
Lilongwe

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Malawi Defence Force posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category