The Tunisian Air Force has significantly enhanced its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with the recent acquisition of four Textron Aviation C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft from the United States. This strategic addition aims to strengthen Tunisia’s operational readiness in addressing both national and regional security challenges.
Ceremonial Handover
The official handover ceremony took place on September 9 at Al-Auaina Air Base, marking a milestone in US-Tunisian defense cooperation. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Tunisian Minister of Defence Khaled Sehili, US Ambassador Joey Hood, Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force General Mohammed Hajem, and Brigadier General Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the US Air Force.
Minister Sehili highlighted the aircraft’s pivotal role in enhancing the air force’s ISR capabilities. “These aircraft will support the operational capabilities of the air force in the field of information, surveillance, and reconnaissance thanks to their characteristics, accuracy in carrying out tasks, and speed in passing data, which will help confront terrorism and transnational organized crime and serve security and peace at the national and regional levels,” he stated.
Advanced ISR Configuration
The C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft are specifically configured for ISR missions, equipped with advanced electro-optical gimbals, night vision capabilities, and other sophisticated surveillance equipment. Although unarmed, these aircraft are designed to provide critical real-time data and intelligence, enhancing Tunisia’s ability to monitor and respond to various threats.
Comprehensive Support Package
The $54 million deal includes not only the aircraft but also a comprehensive support package encompassing spare parts, flight training, technical drawings, logistics support, and ground support equipment. This ensures that the Tunisian Air Force can maintain and operate the aircraft effectively.
US-Tunisia Defense Cooperation
This acquisition is part of a broader US initiative to equip multiple African nations with ISR capabilities through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Tunisia joins other African countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda in benefiting from this program.
Last year, the United States approved the delivery of two more Textron 208 Grand Caravan EX aircraft to be used for special missions over North Africa, making a total of four airframes.
“The fleet will aid the Tunisian air force in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the country,” says Bob Gibbs, vice-president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation.
ATI Engineering Services equipped the aircraft with an electro-optical/infrared sensor, tactical radio, operator console, video data link and night-vision compatible lighting to meet requirements.
D2 Government Solutions Maintenance team is provided training to Tunisian Air Force mechanics and technicians on the Cessna 208 in the United States.
Report of Tunisia acquiring the unarmed special mission aircraft first came to the fore in 2019, the acquisition falls under a US Department of Defence Section 333 capacity building initiative in support of US Africom.
The first two special mission Textron C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft (N684EX and N692EX) arrived Tunisia on 24th of July via Vatry in France.
The delivery of these aircraft is expected to significantly bolster Tunisia’s ISR capabilities, providing a critical tool in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. As other African nations also enhance their surveillance fleets, regional security and cooperation are likely to see substantial improvements.