Rwanda Airforce Orders 2 Utility Aircraft

The Rwandan government has ordered for two aircraft in what appears part of a wider strategy to strengthen its Airforce.

The Textron C-208 EX utility aircraft will be delivered by ATI Engineering Services, an American company specializing in modifying aircraft, at a cost of $10m.

The development comes against the backdrop of increased security threats in the region.

Armed rebels have previously attacked Rwanda through DRC before returning to their bases.

The Rwanda Airforce could be building its capacity to deliver forces quickly to respond to emergency situations, considering Kigali’s frosty relations with its neighbours especially Burundi.

It’s understood the aircraft would Rwanda the upper hand against Burundi and DR Congo.

Uganda has in recent years strengthened its airforce, buying lethal war jets from Russia and modern air defence weaponry.

Military Leak reported that the Textron C-208 EX is the third variant of the all-metal, high-wing 208 Caravan – introduced in 1984 – and the second iteration of the Grand Caravan, a stretched version of the 208, which arrived four years later.

It is powered by a 870hp PT6A-140 engine.

This contract provides the procurement of two Textron C-208 EX aircraft, “associated spare parts and ground support equipment, the necessary modifications for the Rwandan Air Force, flight training device, technical drawings and interim logistic support for both aircraft and the training device.”

Work is expected to be completed July 31, 2022.

The Cessna 208 Caravan EX aircraft is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators and cargo carriers worldwide.

The Rwandan government is expected to use the aircraft to deploy troops on foreign peacekeeping missions too.

Rwandan peacekeepers are deployed in Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan.

The Grand Caravan EX turboprop was engineered for challenging missions, high payloads and short, rough runways while delivering single-engine economy and simplicity.

The Grand Caravan EX aircraft has a reputation as a revenue-generator. It carries up to 14 occupants with an increased speed and climb capability, plus a takeoff ground roll of only 1,399 ft.

This appears suitable for Rwanda’s mountainous terrain.

The short take-off time capabilities allow the aircraft to use even a small airstrip in the region to deploy an elite force before quickly returning to the base.

The aircraft’s powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada engine delivers 867 horsepower for dependable payload performance and superior efficiency.