The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, tabled a N$7.49 billion budget for his ministry for the 2025/26 financial year.
This is an 8.9% increase from the previous year's budget.
Tabling the budget in the National Assembly, Defence Minister Frans Kapofi said the allocation focuses on the government's commitment to national security and youth development.
It will also strengthen Namibia's defence capabilities, training infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
Of the total allocation, N$6.89 billion will go toward operational activities and N$600 million for development.
Priorities include completing the delayed Military Referral Hospital, acquiring new technology and modernising border surveillance systems.
Kapofi also stressed the challenge of safeguarding Namibia's vast territory with limited resources, adding that to resolve this, the ministry scheduled patrol activities in the areas with difficult accessibility.
Recruitment remains a key focus for the ministry, with a recent national recruitment drive which attracted thousands of youth.
He said skill gaps will have to be brought to a bare minimum through continuous training.
The budget will also support the rebuilding of the fire-damaged Peter Mweshihange Military Health Centre and the resumption of other capital projects.
Kapofi said the ammunition production capacity will also be enhanced with new production lines.
Revitalisation of the Agro-Tour initiative, one of the ministry's projects to bolster food production and job creation once fully developed, is another.
Several MPs, however, questioned whether the Ministry of Defence is doing enough to ensure the welfare of soldiers, beyond just focusing on their operational readiness.
AR’s Ester Haikola argued that a budget which fails to adequately provide for soldiers’ S&T allowances should not be passed.
PDM’s Inna Hengari stated that tough training should not translate into abuse, saying that the wellbeing of soldiers must not be overlooked in the name of discipline.
The Minister of ICT, Emma Theofelus, also asked whether the ministry can train soldiers to defend the country’s digital space from cyber threats.
Swapo MP Sophia Shaningwa, on the other hand, urged that military recruitment should be driven by patriotism, not just employment needs.
In response, Defence Minister Frans Kapofi said soldiers are deployed to non-home-based areas, which affects S&T provisions.
However, he assured MPs that all issues raised would be addressed.