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
-
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.