Kathmandu, Baisakh 14 — The Government of Nepal has formally requested to be provided with heavy–lift aircraft instead of the previously proposed helicopters, under the security assistance of approximately 100 million US dollars to be received from the United States. The initial plan was to provide six utility helicopters to the Nepali Army through the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. However, after detailed discussions between the Prime Minister's Office and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal has changed its strategy, taking into account its long-term needs and geographical conditions. This decision is seen as an effort to bring qualitative improvement in Nepal's security and disaster management capabilities.

According to government officials, Nepal has now prioritized heavy-lift aircraft with “aerial crane” capability, which can transport large quantities of goods to remote and mountainous areas. Such aircraft can transport construction materials, heavy machinery, and relief supplies through an external sling system, which is extremely useful in Himalayan and remote districts without road access. In a geographically diverse country like Nepal, where traditional means of transport are not effective in many places, such aerial vehicles are expected to play a crucial role from infrastructure development to humanitarian aid distribution.

It has been stated that the aspect of cost and operational efficiency is also important in this decision. Operating conventional helicopters requires significant investment in fuel costs, maintenance, spare parts, and technical personnel training. It has been assessed that such expenses could be burdensome for Nepal in the long run. In contrast, heavy–lift aircraft, even if fewer in number, are seen as a cost–effective alternative because they can perform multi-purpose tasks from a single platform. This will help operate transportation, rescue, logistics management, and development construction work through a single medium.

As Nepal is a country highly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, landslides, and other natural disasters, such aircraft are expected to bring about a significant change in disaster management. It is believed that there will be a significant improvement in the ability to quickly deliver relief supplies to remote areas, rescue injured and affected citizens, and rapidly deploy search and rescue teams. Along with this, it is expected to further strengthen defense cooperation between the US and Nepal, as the US has also provided aircraft, training, and technical assistance to Nepal in the past. The Government of Nepal is now preparing to formally send the revised proposal to the American side, which aims to ensure cooperation in line with Nepal's strategic needs in the future.