United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has ordered three Cessna Caravan aircraft from Textron Aviation Inc. to support aerial sterile insect release operations protecting citrus crops in southern Texas.

The aircraft are expected to be delivered during 2027 and will support APHIS programmes operating along the Rio Grande River region.

According to Textron Aviation, the Caravans will be used to distribute sterile insects designed to suppress populations of destructive agricultural pests, including fruit flies, reducing crop damage without the use of chemical treatments.

The sterile insect technique forms part of broader agricultural pest management efforts aimed at protecting fruit-bearing crops and supporting long-term environmental stewardship initiatives.

Bob Gibbs said the aircraft would assist APHIS in reaching remote operational areas while supporting agricultural protection programmes.

Textron Aviation stated that the Caravan platform was selected for its payload capability, reliability, and ability to conduct low-altitude operations from rugged or remote airstrips. The aircraft will be equipped with customised release systems designed specifically for aerial sterile insect distribution missions.

APHIS currently operates Cessna Stationair aircraft for similar operations, with the addition of the Caravan expected to expand operational capacity and mission coverage.

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is widely used across multiple mission profiles including cargo transport, commuter airline operations, humanitarian missions, and special mission applications. Textron Aviation said more than 3,100 Caravan aircraft have been delivered globally since the platform entered service.

Textron Aviation’s special mission aircraft portfolio supports a range of government and commercial operations including air ambulance, aerial survey, utility transport, ISR, and flight inspection missions.