Namibia becomes first foreign operator of China’s Y-9E transport aircraft.

On December 16, 2024, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), through its subsidiary Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation (SAC), delivered two Y-9E medium transport aircraft to Namibia, marking the first overseas sale of the Y-9E. The contract, finalized in early 2023, was officially confirmed during a handover ceremony in Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa Region. Namibian President Ngolo Mbemba, presiding over the event, described the aircraft as enhancing the operational capabilities and readiness of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) for both military and humanitarian operations.
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Namibia's acquisition of the Shaanxi Y-9E highlights growing global demand for modern military transport aircraft, driven by rising defense budgets and the need for improved rapid deployment capabilities. (Picture source: Weibo)

The delivery process for Namibia’s Y-9Es began in late 2023, with the aircraft transiting through seven countries before arriving at Grootfontein. The Y-9E was first showcased internationally at the 2018 Singapore Air Show as an export-oriented platform. Lyu Li, deputy general manager of CATIC, confirmed during the handover event that the company would ensure after-sales support and maintenance throughout the aircraft's lifecycle.

Namibian Air Force leadership stated that the aircraft will play a role in supporting military and non-military operations across Namibia’s vast and varied terrain. Air Vice Marshal Theophilus Schande noted the Y-9E’s importance for logistical tasks, including national missions such as delivering drought relief and humanitarian supplies to remote areas. President Mbemba reiterated that the acquisition aligns with Namibia's efforts to maintain defense readiness and strengthen its ability to protect national territorial integrity. The president also referred to the ongoing cooperation between Namibia and China, facilitated through Chinese companies such as the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). He emphasized that technology transfers from Chinese firms would gradually allow Namibian forces to operate and manage advanced systems independently.

The two Y-9Es delivered bear symbolic tail numbers: NAF 1990, marking Namibia’s independence year, and NAF 1962, honoring the birth year of Air Marshal Martin Kamburu Pinehas, Chief of Defence Forces. Namibia’s existing fleet includes aircraft such as the Antonov An-26, Harbin Y-12, JL-8, and F-7, reflecting a historical reliance on Chinese and Soviet-origin platforms.

China and Namibia maintain a longstanding defense relationship, originating from China’s support during Namibia's liberation struggle and developing into structured military cooperation. This partnership includes areas such as training, capacity building, equipment supply, and high-level exchanges. In August 2024, Chinese Defence Attaché Colonel Li Shujun reaffirmed the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) role in supporting the Namibian Defence Force's (NDF) modernization efforts, with a focus on regional peace and stability. Namibian officials have recognized China’s contributions, particularly in training programs and capacity enhancement, which have contributed to the NDF's operational development. The ongoing defense collaboration highlights a shared interest in strengthening bilateral ties and supporting regional security initiatives.

Namibian Air Force leadership stated that the two Y-9Es aircraft will support military and non-military operations, including national missions such as delivering drought relief and humanitarian supplies to remote areas. (Picture source: Weibo)

Reports indicate that the Y-9E was developed as a successor to the Y-8, which itself was based on the Soviet Antonov An-12. Analysts have observed that while the Y-9E incorporates modernized avionics and improved engines, its technology remains less advanced than Western platforms like the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. However, its design and cost make it viable for nations with moderate logistical requirements.

Namibia's acquisition of the Shaanxi Y-9E highlights growing global demand for military transport aircraft, driven by rising defense budgets and the need for improved rapid deployment capabilities. The market is forecasted to grow from $31.10 billion in 2023 to $39.76 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.49%. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to record the fastest growth during this period. Recent procurement examples reflect this trend: Slovakia is preparing to negotiate the acquisition of three C-390 Millennium aircraft from Brazil's Embraer, aligning with NATO members such as Portugal and Hungary, which already operate this model. Additionally, Embraer has finalized agreements to supply the C-390 to Austria and the Netherlands, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. These developments indicate sustained international demand for military transport aircraft.

The Y-9, developed by China’s Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation to compete with the American Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules in the medium-sized military transport market, has a maximum payload capacity of 25 metric tons, while the C-130J supports up to 20 metric tons. However, the C-130J features a larger cargo hold height of 2.74 meters compared to the Y-9's 2.6 meters, enabling it to carry taller cargo. In terms of range, the Y-9 achieves a maximum distance of approximately 7,800 kilometers, which exceeds the C-130J’s 5,250 kilometers. Both aircraft are equipped with modern avionics and are capable of performing various military transport operations in diverse operational environments. While the Y-9 was developed to compete with the C-130J, its performance and design highlight differences in priorities and technology between the two platforms.

The Y-9E, an export version of the Y-9 tactical transport aircraft, is a medium-sized platform developed by SAC to address transport needs between smaller tactical and larger strategic aircraft. SAC executive Wu Jiancheng highlighted during a recent open event that the Y-9E's carrying capacity, range, and cost make it suitable for countries seeking medium-sized transport solutions. Designed for various roles, the Y-9E can transport personnel, cargo, and equipment and perform airdrop and parachuting missions. It is designed to operate in diverse environments, including high-altitude, tropical, and cold conditions.

The Y-9E’s specifications include a length of 36 meters, a wingspan of 38 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 65 metric tons. It has a maximum speed of 660 kilometers per hour, a cruising altitude of 7 to 8 kilometers, and a maximum range of 5,200 kilometers. The cargo hold measures 16.2 meters in length, 3.2 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height, with a total internal volume of 155 cubic meters. The aircraft can carry up to 20 metric tons of cargo, 98 paratroopers, nine 2.74-meter x 2.23-meter pallets, or eight 3.17-meter x 2.44-meter pallets. The Y-9E is powered by four WJ-6C turboprop engines, each rated at 3,804 kilowatts, coupled with six-bladed JL-4 propellers. Its avionics include a ground proximity warning system, collision avoidance system, and an electro-optical turret equipped with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and television sensors to enable day-and-night, all-weather operations.