It originated from elements of the British King's African Rifles, colonial units formed before independence in 1964.

[4] It was under the leadership of Brigadier Paul Lewis, a British expatriate;[5] Welsh Colonel Dudley Thornton commanded 1965-67.

Chisiza fled to Tanzania, and founded the Socialist League of Malawi, the most radical Malawian opposition party.

[7] In the following clash with the Army and Young Pioneers on 9 October 1967 he and two other members of insurgent forces were killed; five were captured; and the others fled.

[8] In 1970 the International Institute for Strategic Studies listed the Army as comprising one infantry battalion [1 MR at Zomba] and supporting services, having a strength of 1,150.

[10] Gurkha officer John "Johnny" Clements was advanced to Acting Brigadier in May 1971, and commanded the Malawi Army until September 1972.

Banda promoted Matewere instantly to Major General after the resolution of the South African Airways hijacking in Blantyre in 1972.

The middle-ranking and junior officers effectively mutinied against the army commander, General Isaac Yohane, attacking the Ministry of Youth and other MYP installations in Lilongwe, as well as looting the MCP headquarters.

[15] Malawi was a pioneer among African countries with regards to the integration of women into its modern armed forces.

[23] The military, under General Henry Odillo, stepped in and vowed to support and uphold the constitution of Malawi.

[30] On 14 November 2018, during FIB Rotation VI, an officer, sergeant, corporal, and three soldiers of the MDF were killed in action in the Congo.

[31] The Malawi Air Force was established with German help in 1976 with the delivery of six single-engined Dornier Do 27s and eight Do 28 light twins in 1976-1980.

Also in the same era the air force received an Alouette III, an AS 350 and an AS 355 Ecureuil, as well as three SA 330 H/L Puma Helicopters from France.

Previous aircraft that have been placed in storage or removed from service include the Basler BT-67, the Dornier Do27-A, the British Aerospace 125, the King Air 90, AS365 Dauphin, and the Alouette III.