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Interview with Tom Nugent, President and Co-founder of LaserMotive
Since the demonstration of the first functional laser in May 1960, laser science and use of laser beams in everyday life has made gigantic leaps. Despite the progress of the past 50 years, much remains to be discovered in this field of technology. Defence applications traditionally use lasers to guide weapons or to mark, damage, or even destroy targets. Seattle-based LaserMotive has demonstrated a further ability of the red beam of light: transmitting power. Nicolas von Kospoth of defpro.com talked to Tom Nugent [1], President and Co-founder of LaserMotive, about the company’s recent advancements in using laser technology to power different mobile platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and the LaserMotive’s plans to move on in this pioneering field of technology.
NvK: First, could you please give our readers a short overview of LaserMotive?
Tom Nugent: LaserMotive is a start-up company based outside Seattle, Washington. We are commercializing laser power beaming, which is the transmission of energy without wires. LaserMotive was founded in 2007 because component technologies had advanced to the point where the power, efficiency, and cost had all advanced to the point where we believed that laser power beaming was finally practical and economical for niche applications. Our first project was to pursue the NASA-sponsored Power Beaming competition, in order to demonstrate the technology and raise start-up capital from the prize. We won that competition in November 2009, and are now pursuing commercial opportunities, with the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) market being the most promising one to start.
NvK: The thought of laser transmitting power, at first, is a little abstract. Could you please explain the technical principle as well as the possibilities and challenges?
Nugent: In a manner very similar to the way that sunlight is used to generate electricity from solar cells, we use lasers to act as a very bright light on specialized solar cells. The laser beam can be directed in a very controlled manner to a receiver, and the power densities (along with low divergence) available in lasers enables us to deploy these “invisible extension cords” through narrow corridors in the air (in many cases, the beam is less than 1 meter in diameter).
One challenge is that inclement weather, such as fog or heavy rain, can block transmission. We operate in the near-optical region, so we are roughly limited by how far you could see with binoculars or a telescope. Interruptions of power would be managed with on-board energy storage. Another challenge involves eye safety. The optical power densities for power beaming are not immediately harmful to skin or other materials, but the most efficient wavelengths for power beaming lie inside the range of wavelengths which your eye can focus, thereby presenting a hazard to the retina. We deal with this issue with a combination of layered safety systems, including beam shut-off if anything comes close to interrupting the beam.
The possibilities for power beaming extend well beyond UAVs, and are what excite us so much about finally being able to bring this technology to market. Our white paper [2] describes various scenarios for UAV use, both short and long range.
We also see many possibilities in point-to-point power beaming, whether it is for remote sensors around a military encampment or base, or for remote communication relays (e.g., on mountaintops). Disaster relief is another application that could benefit greatly from power beaming. Imagine being able to immediately power cell towers or even an emergency field hospital in a city that has been devastated by an earthquake or hurricane.
Looking further down the road, we are excited by the idea of launching rockets via laser. LaserMotive co-founder Dr. Jordin Kare’s Laser Launch concept propels a rocket by means of a rocket-based heat exchanger heat up inert gas, leaving the more expensive power system on the ground.
NvK: What is the current development status of this technology and what have been the recent achievements in your efforts to further develop laser power beaming?
Nugent: We have developed laser power beaming for ground-based applications to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 [System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment – Ed.] as part of our winning entry in the NASA-sponsored Power Beaming competition. We are further developing it and expect to bring it to TRL 7 [System prototype demonstration in an operational environment – Ed.] in the near future. To date, our system has demonstrated power beaming up to 1 kilometre away, with the receiver creating up to 1 kilowatt of power. Power levels are easy to scale up, and distances can also be increased with different optics.
The last component to be finished and integrated (as part of our TRL 7 effort) is the safety system to make it suitable for use by non-experts. As mentioned in our UAV power beaming white paper, we are also creating an internally-funded demonstration of extended UAV operations with lasers.
NvK: LaserMotive has recently published a white paper on supporting UAVs. Which types of UAVs or other aircraft can use this technology and are there technical limits (e.g. due to weight/capacity of receiver and battery)?
Nugent: We see the first application of power beaming as enhancing the endurance of small UAVs that are already electrically powered, replacing part or all of the batteries on board. However, there are no inherent limits to the power we can deliver, and we can easily match the power-to-weight ratios of small combustion engines with our receivers plus high-performance electric motors. The advantages of electric motors in terms of reliability, efficiency, and noise are well known, so we would hope to work with manufacturers of larger UAVs to develop laser-electric versions in the future.
One square meter of receiver area can provide several kilowatts of electric power, and receivers can be integrated into wings or body surfaces or (subject to aerodynamic and mechanical limits) carried as external panels. For some applications, all power could be provided by the laser, with little or no on-board power storage. For others, where the vehicle needs to fly out of range of the laser or to stay on station for some time despite interruptions in the laser beam, batteries or fuel cells can supply power when needed, and then be recharged in flight when laser power is available. But as long as the vehicle has laser power available for more than a few minutes per flight, we can reduce the overall vehicle weight by replacing batteries with our receivers.
NvK: At which range can laser power beaming support UAVs and which weather conditions and flight patterns are required to transfer power? Is it possible to simultaneously transfer power to multiple UAVs?
Nugent: Our current power beaming system has been demonstrated to work over 1 km, and we expect to be able to reach 10 km or more using the same high-efficiency technologies. We also have conceptual designs for systems which would work over almost any range - even from the Earth to the Moon! - but right now those would be significantly more costly per watt delivered. Clouds, fog, and heavy precipitation will block our lasers, but those are generally unfavorable conditions for flying small UAV’s in any case. Flight patterns can be very flexible; as long as a vehicle is within line of sight of a laser, it can receive power. However, we can trade off some of that flexibility for system cost and complexity; it’s easier to build a beam director that only has to track a plane circling overhead than one that has to aim anywhere in the sky.
We’re currently working on the most straightforward power links: one laser system and beam director powering one UAV at a time. That can include charging several UAVs, but sequentially, with the charged UAVs flying on batteries until their next turn in the beam. But nothing prevents several such links operating at the same time; they would not interfere with each other.
NvK: Many UAV manufacturers come from abroad, including a score of Israeli and Western European companies. Are you looking at these markets and do you see opportunities for co-operation in the short to mid term?
Nugent: We’re certainly interested in the possibility of working with manufacturers and users of UAVs worldwide. For a small company introducing new and potentially revolutionary technology, the complexities of export regulations and the logistical requirements of global collaborations are a bit daunting, so our immediate focus is on domestic opportunities. But we would certainly encourage anyone interested in our power beaming systems to contact us, and we’ll see what we can do.
NvK: In your white paper you describe different scenarios which give the impression that, indeed, there are few limits and a score of possibilities to discover and develop. This includes relay mirrors on airborne platforms or flying power beaming systems that could be consider as “laser power tankers.” How far from reality are such solutions so far?
Nugent: Relay systems are currently only in the conceptual stage for us. There have been technical demonstrations of high-altitude (low power) laser relays, but developing that capability for power transmission still needs to be done. Similarly, there have been demonstrations of high power lasers beamed from aircraft for directed energy purposes (e.g., the Airborne Laser), but for power transfer the requirements are different and would need to be developed.
The time required until such systems could be deployed depends primarily on interest. We are taking a staged approach to technology development. We are starting commercialization at the lower power levels (e.g., hundreds of watts up to a few kilowatts) and shorter distances (e.g., up to 1 kilometer) and will expand to higher power levels and longer ranges once we’ve demonstrated commercial success at the smaller-scale systems. By growing organically in this manner, we not only gain experience in many technical and operational issues needed for the bigger systems, but we also can work with regulators to understand how power beaming is different from other uses of lasers.
NvK: Which other possibilities to use this technology in military applications beyond aerial platforms can you imagine? Are there projects to apply laser power beaming to defence areas beyond the field of UAVs?
Nugent: There are many applications of ground-based point-to-point power beaming for both military and civilian use. Remote sensors (especially for perimeter use at smaller bases) and remote communications relays (e.g., microwave relay towers on mountain tops) are two areas we think could benefit greatly from power beaming. In both cases, electrical power is delivered either by swapping out batteries or by running power lines over long distances, oftentimes through areas where it is expensive and/or undesirable to run lines.
We also think there are applications in disaster relief. Imagine being able to rapidly re-establish cell phone towers or even power a field hospital in a city where the power grid is down and roads are too damaged to easily allow moving generators into the city. We’ve spoken with personnel in the US military about their disaster relief efforts in Haiti, and there is definite interest in this application.
NvK: Sponsors such as Boeing may give you a head-start on your competition. How do you assess the current (international) competition in this field of technology?
Nugent: As far as I know, we are the first company with proven hardware to be selling laser power beaming systems, certainly at these power levels and distances. We are deeply appreciative of The Boeing Company’s sponsorship, and we look forward to partnering with them in future power beaming applications if possible. Down the road, once we prove that money can be made in this new market of power beaming, we expect direct competitors will arise but they will be facing the learning curve that we’ve already climbed. In the meantime, we’re competing against existing products which are substitutes, i.e., batteries, fuel cells, etc.
NvK: What are the next steps for laser power beaming at LaserMotive, including industrial co-operation? Which are the next key milestones of your projects?
Nugent: We are going to be demonstrating an extended endurance helicopter using internal funds in the next few months. We’re looking broadly at UAV companies right now to find the right partner for creating the first “eternal UAV” - an electric UAV powered by laser. We’ve also been contacted by many companies interested in other specific uses that we can’t divulge yet.
NvK: Thank you very much, Mr Nugent.
(This entry is an interview I originally made for the defence news site defpro.com in June 2010. For a list of all interviews I made, please click here.)
_____
Notes:
[1] Before assuming the presidency of LaserMotive, Thomas Nugent was a project scientist at Intellectual Ventures Labs, a multidisciplinary early-stage R&D laboratory in Bellevue, WA. Mr. Nugent has also served as Research Director for LiftPort Inc., a pioneer in the development of the modern space elevator concept. While at LiftPort, he led the research team that outlined a realistic path to space elevator development, as well as working on a variety of milestone tests of robotic lifters. He has been involved in liquid‐fuelled rocket engine development and testing through the MIT Rocket Team, and advanced fusion propulsion research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Mr. Nugent holds a B.S. in Physics from University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT.
[2] LaserMotive’s recently published White Paper on Power Beaming for UAVs can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/2wjlczx (PDF 3.33 MB, 9 pages)
March 23, 2010
Namibia - Developing a Small, Highly Mobile and Professional Force
Interview with the Namibian Defence Minister, Maj.Gen. (rtd) Namoloh
As the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) approaches its 20th anniversary in 2010, the country still faces many challenges resulting from a range of complex issues, including the process of integrating former opponents, a general lack of resources and the demanding ongoing task of maintaining and improving defence capabilities. Last year, the Namibian Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched a five-year Strategic Plan to effectively meet current and future challenges. Nicolas von Kospoth of defpro.com talked to the Namibian Defence Minister, the Honourable Maj. Gen. (rtd) Charles DNP Namoloh[1], about the ongoing development of the NDF’s capabilities and the Defence Force’s prospects.
NvK: The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is comparably young, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010. What have been the main challenges during these first years in creating a unified and capable Defence Force in terms of personnel and equipment?
Namoloh: The main challenges were to mold and unify young men and women who were trained to hate and kill each other into a national defence force which the Namibian people can be proud of. The other issue was to depoliticise them by banning displays of political party colours (flags), songs and active participation in political party rallies. What they were not prevented to do was to vote or belong to a political party of their choice.
NvK: How do you assess the progress of the past years in consolidating the armed forces and in meeting the country’s defence requirements?
Namoloh: Progress can be measured in that, despite our background, no blood was shed between the erstwhile enemies. NDF members have reconciled very well and set an example for the whole nation. Loyalty to the government of the day in accordance with democratic norms was fostered. Training institutions were established, although the country still relies on training from partner countries. I can say that a lot still remains to be done, such as establishing our own staff college and other training institutions.
NvK: With the Strategic Plan for the period of 2009-2013 you have created a document in line with the Government’s “Vision 2030” plan. What are the key pillars of this strategic plan to further support the positive development of the NDF?
Namoloh: The MoD Strategic Plan’s pillars are essentially four strategic themes upon which the plan is built. They are as follows:
(1) Governance and Service;
(2) Operational Excellence;
(3) Capacity Building;
(4) Resource Mobilization and Management.
Good governance determines the quality of life of citizens and corporations, as well as the quality of relations between ethnic groups, communities, regions and within the nation as a whole. It plays an important role in attaining the goals of the Vision 2030.
Operation Excellence is a result of the efficient business processes of the MoD. The main objective of this category is to ensure the sustained capability and readiness of the Namibian Defence Force and equipment for efficient deployment against any perceived or actual threat.
Capability Building means that efficient defence requires four basic elements: (i) human resources, (ii) infrastructure and facilities, (iii) military hardware and supplies, and (iv) intelligence and information support. The main objective of this category is to operate a strategic human resources plan that maintains relevant staff capacity at all levels of the MoD operations linked to its resource.
With regard to Resource Mobilisation and Management, one must consider that the MoD has been operating within the parameters of resource constraints. While the Institution has had consistent annual budgets, given current realities and trends, the resource level is not sufficient to effectively position the organisation at the cutting edge of its mission. There is inadequacy in a number of areas including a broadly qualified work force, working conditions, key military hardware, and infrastructure and support facilities.
The main objective of Resource Mobilisation and Management is to correct the mismatch between MoD budget and strategies to ensure adequate resource levels, priorities, linkages and controls.
NvK: Namibia is a country with a huge variety of landscapes and climatic conditions and has long borders which are difficult to watch and control. How does the NDF cope with these challenges and in what way can you benefit from being part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in this regard?
Namoloh: Indeed, Namibia’s landscape is manifold and presents challenges for defence. In addition to this, it is a relatively vast country with a small population. We have plans to respond to these challenges. With regard to what benefit we can get being part of SADC, I can say that being a member of the SADC mutual Defence Pact minimises the possibility of an inter-regional armed conflict since we have mechanisms to address defence and security issues affecting the region and the world. However, I should add that being a member of SADC does not absolve us from addressing our national security as well as to defend our region as the price of collective defence. Most importantly, it provides instruments for confidence building measures between member states.
NvK: One of the most important assets of the Air Force is the Chinese-built FT-7 fighter aircraft. How did you tackle the integration process of a supersonic fighter into the Air Force and how is the military co-operation of the NDF with China proceeding in general?
Namoloh: The NDF is in the process of modernising its equipments. The Namibia Air Force was preceded by the NDF Air Wing, which was equipped with the US-donated Cessna aircraft and some helicopters purchased from other countries [2]. As a sovereign state we buy from countries which meet our requirements and are ready to do business with us in an honourable manner and with mutual respect. [The Minister would not further comment on matters of military co-operation with China. – Ed.]
NvK: Obviously the Namibian Navy significantly benefits from the co-operation with Brazil. Does this bilateral friendship extend to other services of the NDF and can you give any details on future steps and prospects regarding this particular co-operation?
Namoloh: Indeed, we have an agreement with Brazil which was signed in the mid 1990’s and includes, among others, development of the Maritime Wing to a fully fledged Navy. This was achieved through training of commanders at various levels as well as naval staff officers. The process of implementation is still in full swing. With regard to whether the bilateral agreement is extended to other services, my answer is no. I should, however, add that there is nothing that prevents us from buying assets for other services from Brazil, and when you buy new assets you will need training to operate those assets.
NvK: Some of the military equipment of the NDF is ageing and may not be enough in terms of quantity to meet the requirements of such a large country. Are you considering any further procurement or modernisation of equipment during the next five years?
Namoloh: The Namibian Defence Force, like other militaries, is facing the future with ageing equipments. Most of the equipment in the NDF’s arsenal was donated by the SWAPO [3] and was rather suited for non-conventional warfare. The procurement is dictated by need but constrained by limited resources. Namibia, like other countries, was affected by the global economic downturn. Besides this, national defence is competing for financial resources with other government programmes such as education, health and many others. The will to modernise, therefore, will be affected by the priority to address other national programmes by the government.
NvK: Do you see any opportunities of establishing military co-operation with European countries? Would you wish for an increased co-operation and exchange of experience with Western armed forces?
Namoloh: Namibia is ready to co-operate with any country, European countries included. As an example, the integration and training of members of the Namibian Defence Force was carried out with the help of the United Kingdom. The Federal Republic of Germany is also providing the NDF with material and training through the German Advisory Team based in Windhoek. NDF members continue to receive training from many Western countries, including the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and Greece. However, we maintain that cooperation should be without strings attached and with respect to Namibia’s sovereignty.
NvK: As a member of the African Union you contribute to peace-keeping missions such as the United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). How important are such multinational operations for Namibia and will Namibia be able to extend its contributions to peace-keeping and stabilisation missions of the African Union in the future?
Namoloh: Namibia was partly a product of the international community. During the Liberation Struggle the international community gave us material, political and moral support and the UN played a midwife role when the United Nation Transitional Group (UNTAG) was deployed in Namibia. As citizens of the world, we feel that we have to contribute to international peace and security. Participating in peace support mission is the means for our country to contribute to international peace.
The Constitution of Namibia Article 96 (b) – (c) states: “The state shall endeavour to ensure that in its international relations it: (a) promotes international cooperation, peace and security; (b) creates and maintains just and mutually beneficial relations among nations.” Our participation in peace missions is not limited to the UN and the African Union. The SADC region is in the process of building the capacity of the SADC Standby Force which will be able to participate in peace support missions as part of the African Union Standby Force or on its own.
NvK: As our last question, we would like to ask what your personal visions and aims are for the future of the Namibian Defence Force.
Namoloh: The Vision of the NDF, as stated in the Defence Policy which was tabled in parliament early this year (2010), is “develop and maintain a small, highly mobile and professional force which excels in service through discipline, vigorous training and possession of modern armament”. My personal vision is to realise this dream.
NvK: Thank you very much, Mr Namoloh.
(This entry is an interview I originally made for the defence news site defpro.com in March 2010. For a list of all interviews I made, please click here.)
_____
Notes:
[1] Maj.Gen. (rtd) Charles Namoloh (Ho-Chi-Minh) has been appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Namibia in 2005. Mr Namoloh’s military career began after going into exile to Zambia in 1974, where he quickly rose through SWAPO’s military ranks, becoming Plan Chief of Staff under General Dimo Hamaambo in 1979. He headed the SWAPO military team working with UNTAG and SADF/SWATF to form a new defence force during the transition to independence. In 1990 he was head of the defence force team that worked with the British Military Advisory Team to set up NDF structures. He served as Chief of Staff in the NDF under Army Commander Major General Solomon Hawala until 1995, when he was switched to a diplomatic post in warring Angola. After eight years in Luanda, during which Namibia sent soldiers into Angola to flush out Unita (1999-2000) forces, he was transferred to New Delhi and subsequently assumed his current office.
[2] Namibia today operates Russian Mi-35 Hind-Es (2), French SA 319 Alouette III’s (2), as well as Indian HAL Chetak (2) and one HAL Cheetah.
[3] The SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization) is the governing political party in Namibia, evolving from the former liberation movement. It has been the governing party in Namibia since independence in 1990.
As the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) approaches its 20th anniversary in 2010, the country still faces many challenges resulting from a range of complex issues, including the process of integrating former opponents, a general lack of resources and the demanding ongoing task of maintaining and improving defence capabilities. Last year, the Namibian Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched a five-year Strategic Plan to effectively meet current and future challenges. Nicolas von Kospoth of defpro.com talked to the Namibian Defence Minister, the Honourable Maj. Gen. (rtd) Charles DNP Namoloh[1], about the ongoing development of the NDF’s capabilities and the Defence Force’s prospects.
NvK: The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is comparably young, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010. What have been the main challenges during these first years in creating a unified and capable Defence Force in terms of personnel and equipment?
Namoloh: The main challenges were to mold and unify young men and women who were trained to hate and kill each other into a national defence force which the Namibian people can be proud of. The other issue was to depoliticise them by banning displays of political party colours (flags), songs and active participation in political party rallies. What they were not prevented to do was to vote or belong to a political party of their choice.
NvK: How do you assess the progress of the past years in consolidating the armed forces and in meeting the country’s defence requirements?
Namoloh: Progress can be measured in that, despite our background, no blood was shed between the erstwhile enemies. NDF members have reconciled very well and set an example for the whole nation. Loyalty to the government of the day in accordance with democratic norms was fostered. Training institutions were established, although the country still relies on training from partner countries. I can say that a lot still remains to be done, such as establishing our own staff college and other training institutions.
NvK: With the Strategic Plan for the period of 2009-2013 you have created a document in line with the Government’s “Vision 2030” plan. What are the key pillars of this strategic plan to further support the positive development of the NDF?
Namoloh: The MoD Strategic Plan’s pillars are essentially four strategic themes upon which the plan is built. They are as follows:
(1) Governance and Service;
(2) Operational Excellence;
(3) Capacity Building;
(4) Resource Mobilization and Management.
Good governance determines the quality of life of citizens and corporations, as well as the quality of relations between ethnic groups, communities, regions and within the nation as a whole. It plays an important role in attaining the goals of the Vision 2030.
Operation Excellence is a result of the efficient business processes of the MoD. The main objective of this category is to ensure the sustained capability and readiness of the Namibian Defence Force and equipment for efficient deployment against any perceived or actual threat.
Capability Building means that efficient defence requires four basic elements: (i) human resources, (ii) infrastructure and facilities, (iii) military hardware and supplies, and (iv) intelligence and information support. The main objective of this category is to operate a strategic human resources plan that maintains relevant staff capacity at all levels of the MoD operations linked to its resource.
With regard to Resource Mobilisation and Management, one must consider that the MoD has been operating within the parameters of resource constraints. While the Institution has had consistent annual budgets, given current realities and trends, the resource level is not sufficient to effectively position the organisation at the cutting edge of its mission. There is inadequacy in a number of areas including a broadly qualified work force, working conditions, key military hardware, and infrastructure and support facilities.
The main objective of Resource Mobilisation and Management is to correct the mismatch between MoD budget and strategies to ensure adequate resource levels, priorities, linkages and controls.
NvK: Namibia is a country with a huge variety of landscapes and climatic conditions and has long borders which are difficult to watch and control. How does the NDF cope with these challenges and in what way can you benefit from being part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in this regard?
Namoloh: Indeed, Namibia’s landscape is manifold and presents challenges for defence. In addition to this, it is a relatively vast country with a small population. We have plans to respond to these challenges. With regard to what benefit we can get being part of SADC, I can say that being a member of the SADC mutual Defence Pact minimises the possibility of an inter-regional armed conflict since we have mechanisms to address defence and security issues affecting the region and the world. However, I should add that being a member of SADC does not absolve us from addressing our national security as well as to defend our region as the price of collective defence. Most importantly, it provides instruments for confidence building measures between member states.
NvK: One of the most important assets of the Air Force is the Chinese-built FT-7 fighter aircraft. How did you tackle the integration process of a supersonic fighter into the Air Force and how is the military co-operation of the NDF with China proceeding in general?
Namoloh: The NDF is in the process of modernising its equipments. The Namibia Air Force was preceded by the NDF Air Wing, which was equipped with the US-donated Cessna aircraft and some helicopters purchased from other countries [2]. As a sovereign state we buy from countries which meet our requirements and are ready to do business with us in an honourable manner and with mutual respect. [The Minister would not further comment on matters of military co-operation with China. – Ed.]
NvK: Obviously the Namibian Navy significantly benefits from the co-operation with Brazil. Does this bilateral friendship extend to other services of the NDF and can you give any details on future steps and prospects regarding this particular co-operation?
Namoloh: Indeed, we have an agreement with Brazil which was signed in the mid 1990’s and includes, among others, development of the Maritime Wing to a fully fledged Navy. This was achieved through training of commanders at various levels as well as naval staff officers. The process of implementation is still in full swing. With regard to whether the bilateral agreement is extended to other services, my answer is no. I should, however, add that there is nothing that prevents us from buying assets for other services from Brazil, and when you buy new assets you will need training to operate those assets.
NvK: Some of the military equipment of the NDF is ageing and may not be enough in terms of quantity to meet the requirements of such a large country. Are you considering any further procurement or modernisation of equipment during the next five years?
Namoloh: The Namibian Defence Force, like other militaries, is facing the future with ageing equipments. Most of the equipment in the NDF’s arsenal was donated by the SWAPO [3] and was rather suited for non-conventional warfare. The procurement is dictated by need but constrained by limited resources. Namibia, like other countries, was affected by the global economic downturn. Besides this, national defence is competing for financial resources with other government programmes such as education, health and many others. The will to modernise, therefore, will be affected by the priority to address other national programmes by the government.
NvK: Do you see any opportunities of establishing military co-operation with European countries? Would you wish for an increased co-operation and exchange of experience with Western armed forces?
Namoloh: Namibia is ready to co-operate with any country, European countries included. As an example, the integration and training of members of the Namibian Defence Force was carried out with the help of the United Kingdom. The Federal Republic of Germany is also providing the NDF with material and training through the German Advisory Team based in Windhoek. NDF members continue to receive training from many Western countries, including the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and Greece. However, we maintain that cooperation should be without strings attached and with respect to Namibia’s sovereignty.
NvK: As a member of the African Union you contribute to peace-keeping missions such as the United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). How important are such multinational operations for Namibia and will Namibia be able to extend its contributions to peace-keeping and stabilisation missions of the African Union in the future?
Namoloh: Namibia was partly a product of the international community. During the Liberation Struggle the international community gave us material, political and moral support and the UN played a midwife role when the United Nation Transitional Group (UNTAG) was deployed in Namibia. As citizens of the world, we feel that we have to contribute to international peace and security. Participating in peace support mission is the means for our country to contribute to international peace.
The Constitution of Namibia Article 96 (b) – (c) states: “The state shall endeavour to ensure that in its international relations it: (a) promotes international cooperation, peace and security; (b) creates and maintains just and mutually beneficial relations among nations.” Our participation in peace missions is not limited to the UN and the African Union. The SADC region is in the process of building the capacity of the SADC Standby Force which will be able to participate in peace support missions as part of the African Union Standby Force or on its own.
NvK: As our last question, we would like to ask what your personal visions and aims are for the future of the Namibian Defence Force.
Namoloh: The Vision of the NDF, as stated in the Defence Policy which was tabled in parliament early this year (2010), is “develop and maintain a small, highly mobile and professional force which excels in service through discipline, vigorous training and possession of modern armament”. My personal vision is to realise this dream.
NvK: Thank you very much, Mr Namoloh.
(This entry is an interview I originally made for the defence news site defpro.com in March 2010. For a list of all interviews I made, please click here.)
_____
Notes:
[1] Maj.Gen. (rtd) Charles Namoloh (Ho-Chi-Minh) has been appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Namibia in 2005. Mr Namoloh’s military career began after going into exile to Zambia in 1974, where he quickly rose through SWAPO’s military ranks, becoming Plan Chief of Staff under General Dimo Hamaambo in 1979. He headed the SWAPO military team working with UNTAG and SADF/SWATF to form a new defence force during the transition to independence. In 1990 he was head of the defence force team that worked with the British Military Advisory Team to set up NDF structures. He served as Chief of Staff in the NDF under Army Commander Major General Solomon Hawala until 1995, when he was switched to a diplomatic post in warring Angola. After eight years in Luanda, during which Namibia sent soldiers into Angola to flush out Unita (1999-2000) forces, he was transferred to New Delhi and subsequently assumed his current office.
[2] Namibia today operates Russian Mi-35 Hind-Es (2), French SA 319 Alouette III’s (2), as well as Indian HAL Chetak (2) and one HAL Cheetah.
[3] The SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization) is the governing political party in Namibia, evolving from the former liberation movement. It has been the governing party in Namibia since independence in 1990.
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