[3] The airbase is home to air force fighter squadrons and the Pilot Training School.

A 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: In 1939 a committee was set up to locate and survey three sites near Gweru (at that time known as Gwelo) that were suitable for the establishment of an airfield for the Commonwealth Training Group responsible for training aircrews for the defence of the Empire during World War II.

The town of Gwelo and the air station grew during World War II, with a total of 1810 pilots trained during this time.

Tarmac runways and concrete hard standings were added in 1956/57, allowing jet aircraft to operate from Thornhill AB.