Mauritania Air Force is now flying the French-built G1 Aviation light aircraft, after recently taking delivery of type.
The purchase and delivery of the G1 Aviation light aircraft were financed by the European Union to help improve training and liaison duties for the Mauritanian force.
Three G1s were delivered to the Mauritanian Air Force at Nouakchott Air Base in February; with two aircraft arriving in mid-September 2021, and the third arriving in November 2021.
The French Management Institute for International Security (THEMIIS) acquired the aircraft under the Ghawdat programme, part of the European Union-sponsored Mauritania security and development support project (PADSM).
The two-seat G1 SPYL-XL aircraft can carry two people as well as a surveillance camera, with maximum speed of 165 km/h, and a 10-hours endurance. Mauritanian G1s are also fitted with satellite phones, and are designed for rough field operations, and can land in a distance 60 meters.
Also, two Land Cruiser vehicles and trailers were acquired by Mauritania along with the three SPYL-XLs – the aircraft can be transported by trailer once their wings have been removed.
G1 Aviation has also supplied aircraft to Senegal, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.