Tanzania’s Defence Forces Get Chinese-built Training Centre

Tanzania’s government has established Chinese-built training centre for the country’s defence forces during a ceremony on 6 February at Mapinga in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region.

The Comprehensive Training Centre (CTC) worth Sh67.87 billion ($30 million) was built with the assistance of China's People's Liberation Army and will be used to provide modern training to the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF), Defence Web reports.

During the opening ceremony, Tanzanian President John Magafuli witnessed demonstrations that included an amphibious landing and counter-terrorism operations.

The Centre will provide training to counter current and future threats, the Presidency said.

Tanzania has enjoyed close defence ties with China, and this has included naval exercises, construction projects and the supply of military equipment.

China has delivered a variety of military hardware to Tanzania, including 24 Type 63A light amphibious tanks, 12 Type 07PA 120 mm self-propelled mortars, FB-6A mobile short-range air defence systems and A100 300 mm multiple rocket launchers.