CDF Commissions New Aircraft To Boost UPDF Air Force Capabilities

The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commissioned a new fleet of aircraft into the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force, marking a major step in the nation’s military modernisation.

The newly commissioned fleet includes the Let 410 transport aircraft that will enhance logistical efficiency by streamlining the movement of personnel and supplies.

The multipurpose aircraft can be deployed as an air ambulance carrying up to six stretcher patients and three seated patients, a passenger aircraft with capacity for 19 people, a VIP transport for eight, a cargo carrier, or a paratrooper platform.

The event was attended by the Commander Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi, the Chief of Staff Air Force, and the OMNIPOL delegation led by Chairman Ondrej Panenka, alongside Mr. Valentin and Mr. Humphrey Nzeyi.

Gen. Kainerugaba urged the UPDF Airforce team to maintain the new assets to the highest standards. He also expressed appreciation to OMNIPOL for facilitating the acquisition, which was delivered two months ahead of schedule.

The commissioning underscores Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its national defence and its ongoing partnership with international allies to secure its airspace against emerging threats.