The United States delivered two new M28 Skytrucks to the Nepali Army on Thursday under a $37 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant.

With these additions, the army’s fleet now totals five Skytrucks, including two provided by the US in 2019 and one purchased directly by Nepal, the US Embassy in Kathmandu said in a statement. The handover underscores America’s enduring commitment to strengthening Nepal’s resilience, security, and disaster response, the statement added.

The US will also provide two Bell helicopters soon, according to officials.

At a ceremony at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, US Ambassador Dean Thompson officially handed over the aircraft to senior Nepali Army officials, in the presence of Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, senior government officials, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, the US State Department’s Principal Deputy Director for Security Assistance Merrie A Archer, and representatives from aircraft manufacturer PZL Mielec.

Addressing the ceremony, Foreign Affairs Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said, “This moment is significant not only for enhancing Nepali Army’s disaster response capabilities but also as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the United States. The United States has remained a steadfast development partner and a reliable friend of Nepal, supporting us in governance, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, peacekeeping and capacity building.”

She added that Nepal and the US have shared a longstanding, sustainable, and trust-based relationship. The United States, she said, has been a development partner and a reliable friend of Nepal in strengthening democratic governance, providing humanitarian aid, disaster management, peace building, and capacity development. She said Nepal’s friendship and cooperation with the US have always been dedicated to peace, stability, and humanitarian service. Rana praised the Nepali Army for its unwavering commitment to nationalism, global peace, and security.

Echoing her remarks, US ambassador Thompson underlined the role the aircraft can play.

“These aircraft are more than machines. They are lifelines. They will help Nepal respond faster and better to emergencies in every corner of the country,” he said. “The delivery symbolises just a small part of our broader security cooperation, which also includes training, exchanges, equipment transfers, and planning. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping Nepal become more resilient, capable, and secure.”

According to the Army, Thompson also confirmed that the US government will provide two Bell helicopters soon.

Produced by Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec, the Skytrucks are especially suited to Nepal’s challenging terrain. Their short takeoff and landing capability allows them to operate from remote and rugged airstrips. One of the aircraft delivered today is configured as an air ambulance, equipped for medical evacuations and stretcher transport.

“These additions will strengthen the Nepali Army’s capacity for disaster response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian missions, helping to save lives across the country. They also reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting Nepal’s ability to respond quickly to crises and protect its people, building on 78 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Nepal,” said the US statement.