Namibia’s military has received two Shaanzi Y-9E transport aircraft from China, becoming the first country to acquire this model. The aircraft arrived in Namibia in mid-November and were officially handed over in a ceremony on December 16 at Grootfontein, with Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba attending.
The Y-9E aircraft, registered as NAF-1962 and NAF-1990, commemorate significant milestones in Namibia’s history, including the birth year of the country’s defense chief, Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas, and the year of independence.
President Mbumba praised the acquisition, stating it would enhance the Namibian Defense Forces’ operational capabilities. He stressed that the aircraft would improve the country’s ability to deploy troops quickly, whether in peacetime or wartime, and strengthen its capacity to protect territorial integrity.
The aircraft will play a critical role in both military and humanitarian missions, according to Air Vice-Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Namibia’s air force commander. He explained that the Y-9E would help deliver aid, such as food during droughts, to Namibia’s geographically vast and diverse regions.
China’s CATIC (China Aeronautic Technology and Import Corporation), which supplied the aircraft, also committed to providing ongoing support to ensure the aircraft’s reliable performance over time.
Namibia’s air force has a relatively small transport fleet, with the addition of the Y-9E bringing more capability for military airlift operations. The aircraft can carry up to 106 paratroopers or a payload of 25 tons, with a maximum capacity of 30 tons under certain conditions. It is powered by four WoJiang WJ-6C turboprop engines and equipped with advanced avionics for improved operational efficiency.
