Kathmandu: The United States has announced plans to supply the Nepali Army with two helicopters and two sky trucks, aimed at enhancing disaster response and the army’s air capabilities. This military assistance is valued at approximately Rs 13.38 billion.
The announcement was initially made during US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma’s visit to Nepal on August 16. In meetings with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Verma reiterated the US commitment to military assistance, specifically for disaster response efforts.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the US Deputy Secretary emphasized the commitment to provide these aircraft as grant assistance.
Following Verma’s return to the US, the State Department issued a statement reaffirming America’s dedication to enhancing Nepal’s disaster response capabilities. In response, Foreign Minister Deuba thanked Verma and the State Department on social media for the support.
This will not be the first time the Nepali Army has received aircraft from the US; in 2019, they were granted two sky trucks. The value of these previous aircraft was approximately $22.48 million. Currently, the Nepali Army operates only eight helicopters, with ten aircraft grounded. Of these, five can be repaired with general maintenance, while five are beyond repair.
The Nepali Army has been actively deploying its helicopters for search, rescue, and relief operations during disasters, such as floods and landslides. The fleet includes Mi-17, ALH, Agusta, and Écureuil helicopters, with seven kept on standby for emergencies.