Pakistan Army receives six Cessna aircraft from US
The Pakistan Army on Friday received six new Cessna aircraft, two Cessna 208 Caravan and four Cessna T-206H from the United States, said a statement released by the US Office of Defense Representative.
In April 2016, the US Department of Defence had announced it had issued a $14.9 million, fixed-price contract to Cessna Aircraft Company for making two Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft and four Cessna T-206H Stationair aircraft for Pakistan. The contract included sustainment support and associated training.
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The aircraft will be configured for medical evacuation.
The statement from the Office of Defense Representative added that the Caravan and the Stationair aircraft will strengthen Pakistan Army's air mobility by enhancing its capability to conduct medical evacuations as well as provide limited troop and equipment transport.
The Pakistan Army Aviation Corps in the statement thanked America for the "generous contribution".
"American security assistance continues to build the counter-terrorism capabilities of Pakistan's security forces."
"The US and Pakistan are stronger when we work together to combat terrorism," the statement added.
Each aircraft comes with a 24-month sustainment package, including spares, tooling, and support equipment.
The Grand Caravan EX, first shown at the Paris Airshow in 2015, is equipped with a surveillance console, medical stretcher, lightweight seats and stowable utility seat.
It accommodates up to 14 people and a load of 1,593kg.
The T206H Stationair is a smaller aircraft for six people and can take a load of 581kg.