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
-
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
The aircraft is the first of 66 to be delivered to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin.
-
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.