RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Gen. James B. Hecker spoke today with Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Oscar Nyoni to discuss the upcoming African Air Chiefs Symposium scheduled to be held Feb. 17-21, 2025, in Lusaka, Zambia.
Hecker and Nyoni serve as chairmen of the Association of African Air Forces, which will co-host the event with the Zambia Air Force.
The two leaders shared their eagerness to bring together all AAAF members to discuss progress from previous iterations and challenges to tackle over the coming year. The generals also discussed the symposium’s key objective of operationalizing AAAF and building momentum for a live-fly exercise in 2026.
AAAF is a non-political, voluntary organization promoting African-led air power solutions; chartered members include 29 African nations and the United States. Its mission is to foster and strengthen the bonds of friendship, cooperation, collaboration, and mutual support among its members.