Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Today, the United States delivered two new M28 Skytrucks to the Nepali Army on September 4, boosting Nepal’s airlift capacity through a $37 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant. With these additions, Nepal’s fleet now totals five Skytrucks, including two provided by the United States in 2019 and one purchased directly by Nepal. The handover underscores America’s enduring commitment to strengthening Nepal’s resilience, security, and disaster response.
At the ceremony at Tribhuvan International Airport, U.S. Ambassador Dean Thompson officially handed over the aircraft to senior Nepali Army leaders, in the presence of Honorable Foreign Minister Aarzu Rana Deuba, Honorable Defense Minister Manbir Rai, senior government officials, the Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, the U.S. State Department’s Principal Deputy Director for Security Assistance Merrie A. Archer, and representatives from aircraft manufacturer PZL Mielec.
Addressing the ceremony, Foreign Affairs Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said, “This moment is significant not only for enhancing Nepali Army Disaster Response Capabilities but also as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the United States. The United States has remained a steadfast development partner and a reliable friend of Nepal, supporting us in governance, humanitarian assistance disaster response, peace keeping and capacity building.”
“These aircraft are more than machines. They are lifelines. They will help Nepal respond faster and better to emergencies in every corner of the country,” Ambassador Thompson said. “The delivery symbolizes just a small part of our broader security cooperation, which also includes training, exchanges, equipment transfers, and planning. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping Nepal become more resilient, capable, and secure.”
Produced by Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec, these aircraft are especially suited to Nepal’s challenging terrain. Their short takeoff and landing capability allows them to operate from remote and rugged airstrips. One of the aircraft delivered today is configured as an air ambulance, equipped for medical evacuations (medevacs) and stretcher transport.
These additions will strengthen the Nepali Army’s capacity for disaster response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian missions, helping to save lives across the country. They also reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting Nepal’s ability to respond quickly to crises and protect its people, building on 78 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Nepal.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
