The Namibia Defence Force (NDF) has added two newly acquired Shaanxi Y-9 transport aircraft to its Air Force fleet. The aircraft were commissioned by President Nangolo Mbumba at a ceremony held at Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa Region.
The Y-9 aircraft, manufactured by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation in China, were purchased on November 11 and made a stopover in seven countries before arriving in Namibia on November 17. The Y-9 (Yun-9) is a medium-sized, medium-range turboprop multi-purpose transport aircraft. It is an evolution of the Y-8 (An-12 Cub) transport aircraft, featuring improved engines and modern avionics, including a ‘glass’ cockpit. The Y-9 is considered comparable to the U.S. Lockheed Martin C-130J in terms of general performance.
The Y-9’s cargo bay measures 16.2 meters in length, 3.2 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height, with an internal volume of 155 cubic meters. It boasts a maximum payload capacity of 20 tonnes and can carry 98 paratroopers, nine international standard pallets of 108” x 88”, or eight 125” x 96” pallets. The cargo bay is equipped with cargo handling rollers and tie-down rings for efficient logistics operations.
Equipped with modern avionics, including ground proximity warning and collision avoidance systems, the Y-9 also features an electro-optical turret with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and TV sensors for day/night, all-weather operations. The aircraft is powered by four WJ-6C turboprop engines, each rated at 5,100 horsepower, and features six-bladed JL-4 propellers.
President Mbumba highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, “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.”
Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende echoed these sentiments, noting that the aircraft would significantly boost the Air Force’s capabilities and operations. “With this aircraft in our arsenal, it will greatly enhance the Air Force’s abilities to take on various military airlift and air transportation operations and subsequently to carry out state missions for non-military purposes, especially considering that the Republic of Namibia is geographically large and characterized by different types of terrain; these aircraft are crucial to reach all corners of the country,” he said. He also emphasized the role of the aircraft in humanitarian missions, such as delivering drought relief items and food during yearly droughts.
Lyu Li, Vice President of China National Aero-Technology (CATIC), praised the acquisition, stating, “This accomplishment stands as a testament to the exceptional reliability and robust performance of the aircraft. Moving forward, CATIC remains resolutely committed to honoring its cooperative obligations by delivering comprehensive after-sales services. We will spare no effort to ensure the efficient operation and sustained reliability of aircraft throughout their lifecycle, thereby enabling the Namibia Air Force to utilize them with absolute assurance and satisfaction.”
The newly acquired aircraft bear significant tail numbers: NAF 1990, representing the year Namibia gained independence, and NAF 1962, honoring the birth year of the incumbent Chief Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas, in recognition of his contributions to the growth of the Air Force.
The addition of the Shaanxi Y-9 aircraft to the Namibian Air Force fleet represents a significant enhancement in the country’s defense and humanitarian capabilities, positioning it to better respond to both military and non-military challenges.
The Y-9 will join other Chinese and Soviet-built aircraft in the Namibian services which includes a single Antonov An-26, and two Harbin Y-12.