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.
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.
“An 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.
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.
Support Our Journalism
There are millions of ordinary people affected by conflict in Africa whose stories are missing in the mainstream media. HumAngle is determined to tell those challenging and under-reported stories, hoping that the people impacted by these conflicts will find the safety and security they deserve.
To ensure that we continue to provide public service coverage, we have a small favour to ask you. We want you to be part of our journalistic endeavour by contributing a token to us.
Your donation will further promote a robust, free, and independent media.
Donate Here
