ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANISATION
The Malawi Defence Force falls within the hierarchy of Ministry of Defence (MoD) with the Commander-In-Chief, who is the President, at the top, followed by the Minister of Defence. Next in line is the Ministry of Defence Headquarters led by the Secretary for Defence (PS) who oversees policy, finance, and administration. Additionally, there is the Defence Force Headquarters headed by the Defence Force Commander, who manages operational and daily military activities. Below the Commander is his Deputy. In the Office of the Commander, there is the Chief of Staff in whose office is the Military Advisor, Provost Marshal, Public Information Officer, Aide-de-camp, and the Defence Force Sergeant Major. Below the Deputy Defence Force Commander are Service Commanders, Chiefs of Directorates and the Inspector General (IG).
Commander-In-Chief Of Malawi Defence Force
Section 78 of the Republican Constitution stipulates that there shallbe a President of the Republic who shall be Head of State and Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of Malawi. Section 161 of the Republican Constitution further states that the ultimate responsibility for the Defence Forces of Malawi shall vest in the President as Commander-in-Chief.
George Alexander Jaffu (Jnr), MSM, psc
The Defence Force Commander is responsible for all operational matters as well as the day to day running of the military.
KONDWANI GIFT KALINO, MSM, psc
The deputy commander comes below the Commander, according to the constitution of the republic this is a delegated appointment as such it has no defined duties.
MAJOR GENERAL LDG PHIRI,MSM,psc
Land Forces Commander
Oversees all ground troops, infantry brigades, and battalions. Their primary duty is to conduct and coordinate land-based military operations to defend Malawi's territorial integrity, enforce constitutional order, and support civil authorities.
MAJOR GENERAL ELVIS MWASE,MSM,psc
Malawi National Service Commander
The Commander ensures operational readiness, oversees training programs, and directs the Agricultural production units aimed at achieving self-sustainability and easing budgetary presures.
BRIGADIER GENERAL HALTON L PHIRI, psc
Navy Commander
Responsible for commanding, controlling, and administering all maritime and amphibious operations, serving under the broader Malawi Defence Force. The Navy Commander directs forces tasked with patrolling territorial waters, particularly the entirety of Lake Malawi.
Major General HARRISON KANDULA, psc, ndc
Air Force Commander
Responsible for the command, administration, and operational readiness of the Malawi Air Force, a branch of the Malawi Defence(MDF)