The first batch of A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, ordered from the United States by Nigeria in mid-2018 to strengthen the air attacks on Boko Haram and Bandits have arrived Kano, Nigeria
The A-29 Super Tucano is designed and built specifically for the ‘counter-insurgency mission’ in Nigeria.
The aircraft, according to a statement by the Nigeria Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement today, July 22, touched down Kano airport today at about 12.34pm.
On hand to receive the aircraft were the minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi, Chief of Amy Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.
Nigeria Air Force had, in December 2018, offered a contract to SNC and Embraer Defense & Security to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. The contract included ground training devices, mission planning systems, ground equipment, spares and other related support. The aircraft will be delivered in two batches.
The A-29 Super Tucano will support flight and combat training, close air support operations, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), armed over-watch, counterinsurgency and irregular warfare scenarios.
In April last year, Embraer and SNC announced the completion of the inaugural flight of the first of 12 A-29 aircraft.
The full fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft was manufactured by SNC and Embraer at the Jacksonville facility in Florida, US.
