Gweru-Thornhill Air Base

Gweru-Thornhill Air Base is one of the two main air bases of the Air Force of Zimbabwe located near the central city of Gweru,^[1] Thornhill Air Base is home to air force fighter squadrons and the Pilot Training School. According to Janes Defence Weekly of 6th September 2006 a US$41.5m simulation center was being established.

A full range of amenities and services, which include workshops, transport fleets, equipment depots, and accommodation, sporting and entertainment facilities, support the base.

It is home to these squadrons:

No. 2 Squadron (Cobra) - for advanced jet training and close air support. Operates 12 K-8s and about 13 BAe Hawk Mk 60s.

No. 4 Squadron (Hornet) - equipped with Cessna FTB337G and O-2A

No. 5 Squadron (Arrow) - interceptor/fighter role with Chengdu F-7 II/IIN and Guizhou FT-7BZ. Said to be scheduled to received the FC-1/JF-17 multirole fighter from China when it goes into production.

No. 6 Squadron (Tiger) - with SF-260M, SF-260TP and SF-260W

References

^ McCrea, Barbara; Tony Pinchuck (2000). The Rough Guide to Zimbabwe. Rough Guides. p. 106. ISBN 1858285321. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=br7n-gvkWvIC&pg=RA2-PA6&dq=Thornhill+air+base&as_brr=3&sig=XORyHi9QqJEBgsUxxlPCR2Bx5Rs#PRA2-PA6,M1.