US to donate two Skytrucks and two helicopters to Nepal

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 20: The United States has agreed to provide two M28 Skytrucks, worth approximately 37 million USD, to Nepal by January 2025. These are short take-off and landing, fixed-wing planes. One of them is a dedicated air ambulance, the first of its kind in Nepal. The assistance includes training for pilots and maintainers, as well as parts support, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

The US is providing these aircraft to Nepal to support disaster recovery and relief efforts, as part of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The United States had committed to three different Department of State grants for this purpose.

In 2022, the United States agreed to provide Nepal with two Bell 412 helicopters, which will be delivered in the coming years. This support, worth 44 million USD, includes pilot training, maintainer training, and logistics support.

The statement also notes that during his visit last week, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma announced that the United States has now committed to providing another 100 million USD in grant assistance for additional helicopters, training, and support equipment, pending congressional notification and funds availability. Both governments are working together to ensure that the aircraft are built and customized to meet Nepal’s unique needs for disaster relief and recovery efforts, the statement adds.