The United States has supported Nepal in boosting its air capability. On 4 September, the Nepali Army officially received two M28 Sky Truck aircraft from the U.S. government. At a ceremony at Tribhuvan International Airport, U.S. Ambassador Dean R. Thompson handed over the two aircraft to Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashokraj Sigdel.
The aircraft, one configured for cargo and transport and the other as a dedicated air ambulance, are expected to strengthen the Nepali Army’s disaster relief, rescue, and humanitarian response capacity. According to the Nepali Army, the air ambulance is specifically intended for emergency medical evacuations of injured individuals and patients.
The two new M28 Skytrucks were provided under 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,” the U.S. Embassy stated.
Present at the handover ceremony were then Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, then Defence Minister Manbir Rai, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashokraj Sigdel, senior government officials, Merrie A. Archer, the U.S. State Department’s Principal Deputy Director for Security Assistance, and representatives of the aircraft manufacturer PZL Mielec.
Addressing the ceremony, then Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba said, “This moment is significant not only for enhancing the Nepali Army’s 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 reliable friend, supporting us in governance, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, peacekeeping, and capacity building.”
Ambassador Thompson said, “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. This 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 PZL Mielec, Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary, the M28 Skytruck is well suited to Nepal’s challenging terrain. Its short takeoff and landing capability enables operations from remote, rugged airstrips. One of the newly delivered aircraft is configured as an air ambulance, equipped for medevacs and stretcher transport.
These additions will strengthen the Nepali Army’s capacity for disaster response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian missions, helping save lives across the country. They also reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting Nepal’s crisis response and protecting its people—building on 78 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the U.S. Embassy said. Nepali Army spokesperson Brigadier General Raja Ram Basnet added that the U.S. support will significantly enhance Nepal’s air capabilities.
