Designated as a light attack fighter, the Brazilian aircraft Embraer Super Tucano A-29 could be one of the extras in a new war in Africa.
A video that is circulating on social media shows units of the A-29 Super Tucano from Burkina Faso and Mali on standby against any intervention by Niger's military.
Burkina Faso and Mali sent their Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the #Niger “to repel any aggression” amid rising tensions against the #ECOWAS which can initiate military intervention at any time. pic.twitter.com/FYDmTtWjHG
— Military Area (@areamilitarof) August 19, 2023
Niger: a country disputed by Russia and the West
Burkina Faso and Mali sent troops to Niger in preparation for a potential ECOWAS French attack.pic.twitter.com/4vjIVDV2Zz
— The Afroliterato (@Afroliterato) August 20, 2023
In the face of tensions following the coup d'état in Niger on July 26, resulting in the ousted president, Mahomed Bazoum, tensions have risen between Western-influenced countries that oppose the military junta government led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who has the from Russia and repudiate the influence of and its allies.
Due to the unstable scenario, Burkina Faso and Mali, two other countries that also act with military uprisings, which like Niger were also countries colonized by for decades, decided to send their light attack aircraft, the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano to the Niger military against possible intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Interestingly, ECOWAS has been led by Nigeria along with , which is another African country to stop Embraer's light attack fighter. With tensions rising, the A-29 Super Tucano could become one of the ing actors in a new war within the African continent. Mali received its first A-29 Super Tucano in 2018, while Burkina Faso received the Super Tucano in 2011.
Both Mali and Burkina Faso received the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano at a time when both countries were aligned with . In recent years, the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano has been widely used in military actions within Africa against rebel and terrorist groups. In early 2020, Burkina Faso, still under the presence of French troops in its territory before the new self-appointed governments took action, even carried out a t operation with alongside Mirage 2000D fighters against the Islamic State.
As for Russia, which started to the new self-proclaimed government in Niger, with the suspicion that the country is interested in the uranium produced by the country, ing the Niger military through its private army of mercenaries from the Wagner Group. Both and other Western countries have secondary interests in Niger, and the country is currently the 7th largest world producer of uranium, a chemical element used to fuel nuclear energy, also essential in the production of atomic weapons, with as its one of the biggest buyers of uranium in Niger.
Now under the influence of Russia, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have the A-29 Super Tucano, including attack aircraft and helicopters manufactured by the Russians, such as the Mi-35 and Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, fruits of the alliance between the Russians and the Malian military. There is also strong from Niger's population favorable to the Russians, on of the colonization of until the mid-1960s.
Meet the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano
Developed as an extremely versatile aircraft, the A-29 can carry out a wide range of missions including light attack, aerial surveillance and interception, and counterinsurgency. Robust and versatile, the A-29 has the ability to operate from remote, unpaved runways in advanced operating bases with little logistical , all of this combined with low operating costs and high availability (over 90%).
In addition to combat roles, the aircraft is widely used as an advanced trainer. Its ability to simulate combat missions and and flight data made it a highly effective training platform. As a true multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 is flexible enough to provide air forces with a single platform for light attack, armed reconnaissance, close air and advanced training, thereby optimizing their fleets.
It is equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art sensors and weapons, including an electro-optical/infrared system with laser designator, night vision goggles, secure voice and data communications, integrated sensors and surveillance systems to create a highly effective component. of air power.
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