The Namibian Air Force last week officially received two Y-9E medium transport military airplanes bought from China.
President Nangolo Mbumba says the planes were manufactured to the Namibian Defence Force’s specifications by the China Aeronautic Technology and Import Corporation.
“The acquisition of these medium transport aircraft will go a long way in improving and enhancing the Namibian Defence Force’s operational capacity and readiness to respond at short notice to any situation that might require the involvement of our soldiers, both during peacetime and wartime emergencies,” the president says.
He says as a nation that was born from a long and bitter struggle, Namibians value and cherish peace.
“However, we are aware that we live in a world where peace is not guaranteed. Therefore, as an independent nation, we must maintain and enhance our capability to defend our territorial integrity. For this reason, we salute the professional men and women of the Namibian Defence Force.
“Today, you have added new hardware to your inventory. Take care of these equipment. Use them wisely, efficiently and effectively in the interest of Namibia and its people,” the president said at the handover event.
The Y-9E is designed as a medium-sized transport aircraft, bridging the gap between smaller tactical airlifters and larger strategic cargo planes.
The aircraft’s specifications include a length of 36m, a wingspan of 38m, and a maximum takeoff weight of 65t.
With a top speed of 660km per hour, it operates at cruising altitudes of between seven and eight kilometres per hour, and boasts a range of up to 5 200km and can transport up to 20 tonnes of cargo.
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