The first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft has been delivered to Nigeria.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the delivery of the aircraft. According to NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the aircrafts arrived in Kano State on Thursday afternoon.
He said: ““On hand to receive the aircraft were the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.”
The NAF spokesman added that the second batch of Super Tucanos is expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
The sale of the aircfatf to the Federal Government was confirmed by Former president of US, Donald Trump during his meeting with Buhari in 2018.
“We are also helping our Nigerian partners by facilitating intelligence, cooperation, and providing training and military equipment to Nigerian forces,” Trump had said after bilateral talks in the White House.
“For example, we recently sold Nigeria 12 US A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, great aircraft, in the first-ever sale of American military equipment to Nigeria.
“This new aircraft will improve Nigeria’s ability to target terrorists and protect civilians.”
Specially trained pilots and flight engineers have also been recruited to enhance the efficacy of the new Tucano aircrafts.
The NAF spokesman confirmed this during their winging ceremony: “On the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the CAS stated that about 60 NAF personnel, comprising pilots, engineers, technicians, and other specialists, have completed their training on the aircraft in the USA.”
