Textron delivers special mission Grand Caravan EX aircraft to Belize
The Grand Caravan EX is the latest model in Cessna's 208 Caravan series. (Photo: Textron)
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft delivered to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security will fulfil multiple mission sets.
Textron Aviation has announced the delivery of a special mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security.
This is a result of an FMS contract executed by US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
The Grand Caravan EX is the latest model in Cessna’s 208 Caravan series.
The aircraft’s engine offers improved climb rates (38%) and cruise speeds, and enhanced performance in hot and high environments and for floatplane operations.
‘The [aircraft] delivered to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security will be used as a multi-mission platform for ISR, casualty evacuation, SAR, air mobility, light air drop and other operations as necessary,’ Bob Gibbs, Textron special mission sales VP, noted in a 6 March press statement.
‘This is the first Caravan EX in the service of the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security,’ he added.
The Grand Caravan EX received certification for hardpoint provisions in July 2016, enabling additional mission capabilities such as extended range with additional fuel tanks, increased cargo space, agricultural operations and the ability to configure the aircraft for missions that require armament.
The aircraft is powered by a single PT6A-140 turboprop engine, can take off from a 658m runway and can carry ten to 14 passengers with a crew of one.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success]()
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years]()
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe]()
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.
