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, 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