Kenya Air Force Commissions C-145 Skytruck Aircraft Acquired from the US

The Kenya Air Force (KAF) has commissioned the newly acquired C-145 Skytruck aircraft.

The C-145 Skytruck, which is meant to phase out the Y-12 aircraft, was acquired through the Excess Defense Article (EDA) of Kenya’s Department of Defense (DoD) and US Coast Guard following the signing of the Kenya United States Liason Office (KUSLO) agreement by the two governments on April 4th, 2017.

KAF Commander Major General Francis Ogolla said the acquisition of the aircraft will enhance the mission readiness of the 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,” he said during the reception ceremony at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi on Tuesday. 

On his part, US Defense Air Attachee in Kenya Major Matthew Yan thanked the Kenyan government for the mutual cooperation as he assured of continued support.

The C-145 Skytruck aircraft is a variant M28 with a passenger capacity of nineteen and has a stronger engine, short take-off and landing capability, picks height faster, and has bigger cargo capacity.

The aircraft can be used for VIP and passenger transportation, cargo transportation, paradrop, insertion, and casualty evacuation.