Counter-Terrorism: First Batch Of A-29 Tucano Aircraft Expected Soon In Nigeria
The first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft are en-route delivery to Nigeria, and induction into the country's Air Force.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is awaiting the delivery of the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano light attack and reconnaissance aircraft from the United States.Ā
Embraer and Sierra Nevada Corporation were awarded the contract to manufacture and deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the NAF, in a contract deal that included training, spares, ground support equipment, and contractor support.
According to a statement on Thursday, July 15, 2021 by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft departed the United States of America on Wednesday, en-route to Nigeria.
The six aircraft will move through five countries including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Algeria before arriving in Nigeria towards the tail end of July 2021.
Ā āAn official induction ceremony of the aircraft into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force is already being planned at a later date in August 2021 to be announced in due course,” the statement added.Ā
The A-29 Tucano will be stationed at the Air Force base in Kainji, Niger State, North-central Nigeria where support facilities have been constructed following a $36.1 million contract to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District.
The armed sales notification of the A-29 to U.S Congress in 2017 stated that the deal included GBU-58 (250lb) PW-II Tailkits, Laser Guided Rockets including Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and Hydra 70 Unguided Rockets.
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