The Mozambican Air Force (Força Aérea de Moçambique) recently received a CASA C295 transport aircraft from Airbus, which will help strengthen the country’s air transport capabilities.
The new aircraft which will be delivered in the coming weeks is intended to support the Mozambican army’s efforts in the Cabo Delgado province, where they have been deployed since 2017 to fight armed Islamist groups.
The twin turboprop plane, worth around €50m, was assembled at the manufacturer’s site in Seville and can carry up to 70 passengers.
The CASA C-295 is versatile and can be used for a variety of missions, including: Airlifting troops, equipment, and supplies to remote or hostile areas, carrying heavy payloads, including vehicles, helicopters, and other oversized cargo, and providing critical care and transportation for wounded personnel.
The aircraft is considered the market leader in the medium tactical transport category with more than 80% of the market. There are currently 41 operators from 37 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. Of these 41 operators, 19 have made repeat orders.
The C-295, when compared to its predecessor, stands out with its more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 engine delivering 2645 hp, a new propeller, and a redesigned wing. Despite these significant enhancements, efforts were made to retain as much commonality as possible between the two platforms.
Meanwhile, the Mozambique air force is slowly but steadily building up it’s aerial capabilities as it engages in combat against insurgents in its territory.
In 2022, Mozambique’s armed forces took delivery of two refurbished transport aircraft acquired from Paramount Group of South Africa.
Paramount handed over a Let-410 Turbolet and a CN-235M transport plane to the Mozambican military. Air Force officials said the planes will be used for cargo and troop transport and special forces and paratrooper deployment. The arms manufacturer supplied the aircraft along with training and maintenance.
A year later, Mozambique acquired the Mwari aircraft designed by Paramount. The Mwari is a twin-turboprop aircraft that is used for a variety of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and light attack.
