Rwanda joins the Grand Caravan club
Cessna C-208 Grand Caravan EX aircraft are being supplied to the Rwandan Air Force by ATI Engineering Services in an FMS deal.
The $10.1 million contract for two aircraft, announced by the DoD on 24 June and awarded after a competitive tender, also includes spare parts and ground support equipment, a flight training device and necessary modifications for the Rwandan Air Force, as well as interim logistic support for the aircraft themselves and the training device.
There was one other bidder on the contract.
Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Rockford, Illinois; and Kigali Air Force Base in Rwanda, and is expected to be completed by 31 July 2022.
Applications for the Grand Caravan EX include passenger and light cargo transport, medical evacuation, embassy support and ISR.
The aircraft received certification for hardpoint provisions in July 2016, enabling users to configure the aircraft for missions that require armament.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
