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
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
