A total of 1,703 recruits graduated from the Namibian Training Establishment in Okahandja after successfully completing their military training programme.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Special Advisor Hilma Nikanor said 1,767 recruits reported for training in May 2025, but 64 did not complete the programme due to withdrawals and disciplinary disqualifications.

Nikanor congratulated the recruits for enduring the demanding training programme, which included basic military training, platoon weapons handling and specialised military instruction.

“Today you stand here looking beautiful and ready. I wish to congratulate you for having successfully completed your basic training,” she said.

She further said the defence force is modernising its operations to adapt to evolving global warfare technologies, particularly drone warfare.

“Wars are now predominantly fought with drones. As such, the NDF is in a modernization process,” she said.