Special mission Cessna aircraft delivered to Belize Ministry of National Defense

Textron Aviation Inc. announced Thursday it has delivered a special mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security. The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract was executed by the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala.

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation.

“The Grand Caravan EX delivered to the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security will be used as a multi-mission platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, air mobility, light airdrop, and other operations as necessary,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales.

This is the first Caravan EX in service with the Belize Ministry of National Defense and Border Security. The aircraft is fitted with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red sensor, operator mission console, tactical radios, and data link. Textron Aviation will provide pilot, mission operator, and maintenance training, as well as an in-country field service representative.

Certified worldwide

The Cessna Caravan platform has seen more than 3,000 aircraft delivered that are certified in 100 countries.

In May 2020, the Cessna Grand Caravan, fitted with Hellfire missiles, was considered “appropriate technology” for the Afghanistan Air Force.

King Air turbo-props ordered under FMS

Just last month, the U.S. Army announced they intend to award a contract to Textron Aviation for the FMS sale of two Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft to Peru.