Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Tuesday, April 20, acquired a state of the art aircraft valued at Ksh1.4 billion (US$14 million).
Speaking during the commissioning of the aircraft, Kenya Air Force (KAF) Commander Major General Francis Ogolla disclosed that the C-145 Skytruck aircraft was acquired through Excess Defence Article (EDA) after the signing of the Kenya United States Liason Office (KUSLO) agreement by the two Governments on 4 April 2017.
He further noted that the acquisition would go a long way in enhancing the mission readiness of the Kenya Air Force.
"It is a great day today as we introduce the C-145 Skytruck Aircraft(KAF 2001).
"This aircraft will not be in the service for display but to enhance the capability of our air support to our sister Services,” stated Ogolla.
C-145 Skytruck Aircraft is a variant M28 with a capacity of nineteen.
The C-145 is more modified with a stronger engine, it has a short take-off and landing capability, picks height faster and has a bigger cargo capacity.
It is a multi-purpose aircraft, that can be used for VIP and passenger transportation, cargo transportation, paradrop, insertion as well as casualty evacuation.
The C-145 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft with twin vertical fins and a non-retractable tricycle landing gear capable of short takeoff and landings to unprepared runways.
According to US Air Force analysis, the aircraft is reconfigurable to support both air, land and airdrop of cargo (max 2,400 pounds) and personnel, casualty evacuation, combat search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Speaking during the commissioning of the aircraft at Moi Air Base (MAB), US Defence Air Attaché to Kenya Major Matthew Yan thanked the Kenyan Government for the mutual cooperation and assured of continued support from the US Government.
Base Commander Moi Air Base Brigadier Peter Githinji, US Defence Mobile Training Team (MTT), KAF Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members also attended the event.
