The Paraguayan Air Force has added a Cessna SkyCourier C-408 to support aeromedical evacuations, humanitarian operations, and passenger and cargo transport. The aircraft, manufactured by Textron Aviation, was funded by Itaipu Binacional, the National Ministry of Defense said in a statement released on September 24, 2026.
The aircraft has an endurance of about five hours and an approximate range of 900 nautical miles, equivalent to 1,667 kilometers. Its cabin can be configured to carry up to four stretchers, along with medical personnel and equipment.
The C-408 was also designed to operate from short runways and in areas with limited infrastructure. This could make it easier to reach rural communities and remote areas, although actual service capacity depends on the availability of the aircraft, personnel, and ground support.
The choice of model took into account endurance, cabin space, operating costs, versatility, and the ability to combine passenger and cargo transport. The National Ministry of Defense says the aircraft will be used for emergency missions and logistical support in different parts of the country.
The addition expands the Air Force’s capacity to transport patients and supplies, but the information released does not specify when the aircraft will begin operating or how many missions it could carry out. The acquisition cost and deployment schedule were also not provided.