- In July 2023, Textron Aviation, a leading aircraft manufacturer, received an order from AvMet International for one Beechcraft King Air 360CHW and four Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft to support Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Center’s cloud seeding program. This strategic acquisition reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its national weather modification capabilities amid growing concerns over water scarcity. By equipping the aircraft with advanced cloud seeding technologies such as Cloud Water Inertial Probes (CWIP) and tracking systems, the initiative reinforces the Kingdom’s role in the Middle East’s expanding cloud seeding market while showcasing Textron’s critical role in supplying next-generation atmospheric aircraft
- In June 2023, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) successfully conducted a cloud seeding test flight, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of advanced weather modification solutions. The initiative, carried out with DGCA approval using a modified Cessna aircraft, demonstrates India's growing focus on indigenous research and technological validation in cloud seeding. By importing U.S.-based cloud seeding props and collaborating with aircraft manufacturers for technical modifications, IIT-K is contributing to the establishment of a structured, scalable cloud seeding ecosystem in India, supporting long-term goals in agriculture and water management
- In April 2023, the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) announced an agreement with Calidus Aerospace to acquire the Wx-80 turboprop aircraft for its expanding cloud seeding operations. This advanced aircraft, equipped with larger cloud seeding payload capacity and enhanced safety systems, marks a significant upgrade from the traditionally used Beechcraft King Air C90. The initiative highlights the UAE’s leadership in atmospheric engineering within the Gulf and reinforces its commitment to using cutting-edge aviation and meteorological technology to tackle regional water resource challenges
- In March 2023, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to fund cloud seeding efforts across Western U.S. states. This federally backed initiative aims to increase precipitation in drought-stricken areas by using aircraft and ground-based artillery to disperse silver iodide into moisture-bearing clouds. By addressing critical water shortages in desert and agricultural regions, the project underscores the rising importance of weather modification as a viable climate adaptation tool in North America and highlights growing public sector investment in cloud seeding technologies
- In April 2022, the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers officially launched a national cloud seeding program targeting increased rainfall in three major cities. This government-backed initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to ensure long-term water sustainability and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources. By institutionalizing cloud seeding at a national level, Saudi Arabia is accelerating the adoption of advanced weather modification infrastructure and positioning itself as a key stakeholder in the global cloud seeding system market
