Zimbabwe to Host Iran Helicopter Centre

[Big Bucks Bernie]

Zimbabwe: Country to Host Iran Helicopter Centre

5 February 2010
Published by the government of Zimbabwe

Harare — IRAN will set up a helicopter repair, maintenance and training centre in Zimbabwe, Teheran's Ambassador in Harare Mr Rasoul Momeni has said.

The centre will benefit Zimbabwean technicians as well as their counterparts across Africa.

In an interview at the Air Force of Zimbabwe Headquarters in Harare yesterday, Ambassador Momeni said: "Iranian technicians will be coming into Zimbabwe in a few weeks to finalise the setting up of a helicopter maintenance base.

"The move will see the whole African region benefiting. We share strong ties with Zimbabwe in areas of military co-operation.

"We have been training AFZ technicians in maintaining and repairing helicopters.

"Zimbabwe has a highly literate and professional force; they are in their own class in the region.

"We expect they will benefit greatly from this arrangement."

AFZ Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri confirmed the development, adding, "We are so excited about the arrangement as it brings expertise from Iran close to the users or students.

"We have agreed on areas of co-operation. Iranians are experts, they are some of the hardest working, professional and committed people I have ever seen on this planet.

"Plans are also underway to send our pilots for training to Iran although we are still working on the modalities.

"The move will not only benefit Zimbabwe, but also the region as a whole.

"The base would not necessarily be in AFZ premises, but we are definitely an interested party."

Source: allAfrica.com

[Makiwa]

Bwah, ha, ha, ha!!! That's going to be awesome... The blind leading the blind. I worked in Iran for a year. What a clueless bunch they were. When they weren't being hopeless, they were being dangerous. And an arrogant lot they are too. Sounds like a match made in heaven.

[Gatvol]

and no doubt some from South Africa will be looking there for work.......

[krobar]

Well, a bit of light at the end of the tunnel...

If Zim throws their support behind Iran, maybe we might get a USS something off the shores of africa.

[Gatvol]

maybe we might get a USS something off the shores of africa.

Not a chance, under the current leadership, America is to weak.

[Zimbo]

Well, one thing is true - the AFZ sure are in a class of their own....

[mtoroshanga]

I was in the RRAF and worked in Iran for more than 4 years. In my estimation
this is a very dangerous situation for everyone around. Between Bob and his mates and the Psycho that runs Iran look out for World War 3. The Chinese are there mob handed as well so basop!!

[knobrot]

I think that's the point, mtoroshanga. ie, there are few if any skilled folk left there and having dealt very briefly with the Iranians, I think this will be interesting at least.

[Gatvol]

Some of my friends went over there years ago to train these folks in how to fly the AH-1 Cobra. They would do all kinds of stupid things and when confronted, would just say if they die "Its Allahs Will".
Zim will do well.........

[mtoroshanga]

I was at Zagross crewing out of Isphahan and saw them, all on static display!
My point was that they may intend using the chaos in Zimbabwe and Bobs lack of scruples to relocate their nuclear program.

[legalbeagle]

My point was that they may intend using the chaos in Zimbabwe and Bobs lack of scruples to relocate their nuclear program.

If that unlikely event was to transpire, you can expect the proverbial sh!t to hit the fan, both in Southern Africa and World wide, and the region would be seriously destabilised. Suffice it to say that this is a partnership made in hell.