Textron Aviation has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has ordered three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support sterile insect release operations protecting citrus crops along the Rio Grande River in southern Texas. The aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2027.

APHIS will use the aircraft to carry and release sterile insects as part of an environmentally friendly pest control programme aimed at reducing the spread of destructive pests including fruit flies. The initiative helps protect fruit-bearing trees, reduce crop damage and support agricultural industries that depend on healthy harvests.

“These aircraft will help APHIS reach remote areas and carry out their important mission of protecting agriculture,” said Bob Gibbs, Vice President of Special Mission Sales at Textron Aviation. “We’re proud to support their work with the dependable and versatile Caravan.”

Known for its reliability, payload capability and ability to operate from rugged airstrips, the Cessna Caravan is well suited to aerial application missions requiring long flight durations and steady low-level operations. APHIS plans to equip the aircraft with specialised release systems capable of safely distributing sterile insects across large areas without the use of chemicals.

More than 3,100 Cessna Caravan aircraft have been delivered worldwide and have accumulated over 25 million flight hours in roles ranging from cargo transport and commuter services to humanitarian and special mission operations.