The US has presented two M28 skytrucks—one air ambulance and one regular skytruck—to the Nepal Army. The skytrucks were handed over as part of US’ Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant.
US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson handed over the aircraft valued at $37m to Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel at a handover ceremony held at the Mid Air Base of Nepali Army located inside the Tribhuvan International Airport on Thursday.
The ceremony was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana, Minister for Defense Manbir Rai, US State Department’s Principal Deputy Director for Security Assistance Merrie A Archer, Defense Secretary Rameshwar Dangal, officials of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, defense attachés of the US Embassy and representatives of airplane manufacturer PZL Mielec, among others.
With these new additions, Nepal presently has a fleet of five skytrucks including two which were donated by the US in 2019 and one which Nepal purchased directly. It now possesses seven aircrafts, 15 helicopters and 40 pilots, according to Army sources.
During the ceremony, none of the speakers mentioned or referred to the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in their speeches. The event’s official backdrop, however, featured the INDOPACOM logo. This suggests that the aid comes under the regional command structure of the US military. The logo also signifies the official channel through which the aid was received to allow credit without causing headlines and controversy.
The skytrucks will be used for military purposes as well as for medical evacuation, disaster response and emergency rescue operations, the Nepali Army said.
Speaking at the program, Foreign Minister Rana expressed gratitude to the US government for strengthening the Nepali Army’s capacity in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. “This moment is significant not only for enhancing Nepali Army 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 a reliable friend of Nepal, supporting us in governance, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, peace keeping and capacity building.” She also commended the Army’s dedication, discipline and service.
Ambassador Thompson highlighted that the two skytrucks mark an important addition to the longstanding friendship between Nepal and the United States. He also announced that the US would be donating two Bell 412 helicopters to the Nepali Army within the 18 months timeline as part of the continued support. The packages are part of the military aid worth approximately Rs 140m.
“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,” Ambassador Thompson said. “The 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.”
The US ambassador also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nepal’s ability to respond quickly to crises and protect its people, building on 78 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Nepal since 1947. “The handover underscores America’s enduring commitment to strengthening Nepal’s resilience, security, and disaster response, he said. “These additions will strengthen the Army’s capacity for disaster response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian missions, helping to save lives across the country,” he said.
CoAS Sigdel said that these skytrucks will be instrumental in helping the Army during disaster response and humanitarian assistance. He said that the Army is deeply committed to peace, stability and humanitarian efforts in the country.
Produced by Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec in 2025, these aircraft are especially suited to Nepal’s beautiful yet challenging terrain. Their short takeoff and landing capability allows them to operate from remote and rugged airstrips.
The first aircraft, with tail number NA-069 is a standard skytruck and has a passenger capacity of three crew members and 18 passengers. It can also be used for para-jump operations, accommodating 16 paratroopers and a jump master. For medical evacuation, it can carry six stretchers and four seating casualties. The aircraft has a payload capacity of 2,000 kilograms plus an additional 300 kilograms in the under-fuselage baggage pod. Its maximum takeoff weight is 7,500 kilograms, cruising speed 150 knots (278 km/h), service ceiling 25,000 feet, and endurance of four hours and 30 minutes.
NA-068 is a skytruck with air ambulance configuration. One intensive care platform along with four seat casualty accommodation are installed in it. With the same payload as the regular skytruck, i.e. 2,000 kilograms with an additional 300 kilograms in the under-fuselage baggage pod, its max takeoff weight is 7,500 kilograms with cruise 150 knots (278 km/h), service ceiling 25,000 feet, and four hours 30 minutes endurance.
Apart from delivering the aircraft to Kathmandu, the PZL Mielec is also responsible for flight training, supply of spares, medical supplies, technical help and ferry services.
