Kenyan Air Force boosts military fleet

Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) -  Kenya's Air Force has launched its fleet of newly acquired C-145 Skytruck aircraft, supplied in a purchase deal entered with the US, the Kenya Defence Forces said on Tuesday.

The C-145 Skytruck Aircraft is a new version of the M28 aircraft with a capacity of nineteen.

The C-145 is modified with a stronger engine, a short take-off and landing capability and has added capacity to pick height faster. It also has a bigger cargo capacity, the KDF said in a social media post.

Kenya Air Force (KAF) Commander, Major General Francis Ogolla, presided  over the commissioning of the new aircraft fleet at Moi Air Base (MAB), Eastleigh in Nairobi.

The C-145 Skytruck, which is intended to phase out the Y-12 aircraft, was acquired through Excess Defence Article (EDA) after the signing of the Kenya United States Liaison Office (KUSLO) agreement by the two Governments on 4 April 2017.

The Air Force Commander thanked the US government for the new aircraft, which, he said, would go a long way in enhancing the mission-readiness of the Air Force.

“It is a great day as we introduce the C-145 Skytruck Aircraft. This aircraft will not be in the Service for display but to enhance the capability of our air support to our sister Services,” said Maj-Gen Ogolla.

The aircraft is multi-purpose. It could be used for VIP and passenger transportation, cargo transportation, paradrop, insertion as well as casualty evacuation, the Air Force said.

Independent valuations show the C-145 Skytruck costs about US$9 million.

The US Defence Air Attache to Kenya Major Matthew Yan, who also attended the event to commission the aircraft into service, pledged further military cooperation between the US and Kenya. -0- PANA AO/MA 21April2021