Timor-Leste’s fledgling air force receives a boost
The fledgling Air Component of the F-FDTL will receive a humble Cessna 206 aircraft. (Photo: US Embassy in Dili)
The Air Component of Timor-Leste’s military is doubling in size thanks to the addition of another Cessna aircraft.
After achieving independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has relied on foreign-funded air services. However, the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) will receive a Cessna 206 aircraft to help strengthen its tiny air force.
The US is supplying the aircraft, and Timor-Leste military personnel are now training at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The Cessna of 2019 vintage bears the serial number ‘N962CS’. The second-hand grey-painted aircraft will join a single Cessna 172P already operated by the F-FDTL.
The 206’s registration number belongs to Technology Services Corporation (TSC), which operates a handful of surveillance aircraft in the region on behalf of the US government and the
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