The Government of Nigeria held today (31) the ceremony for introducing into service six Embraer A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft. The ceremony took place at Kainji Air Base, in the west of the country, and was attended by Nigerian government leaders, of the armed forces and officials from the US Department of Defense.
In August 2017, the US Department of State approved the sale of 12 A-29s to the Nigerian Air Force, as well as weapons, training, spare parts and infrastructure construction and renovation of the air base that will host the aircraft manufactured by the Nigerian Air Force. Sierra Nevada Corporation, subsidiary company of Embraer. At the time, the deal was estimated at US$593 million.
“The Nigerian Air Force is one of our key partners and it plays a critical role in promoting regional security and stability”, said General Jeff Harrigian, commander of US Air Forces Europe-Air Force Africa (USAFE). “This ceremony symbolizes the strength of our unique partnership and underscores the value of training and working together.”
According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), a A total of 64 Nigerian Air Force pilots and specialists were trained to US standards in the US Air Force's 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, US. The training also emphasized the Law of Armed Conflict and the mitigation of civilian casualties, which are core principles of professional education and training for the Nigerian military.
Harrigian and US Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard spoke about how this platform will help enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force, as well as increase training and integration opportunities between Nigerian and US troops. The A-29 can carry out reconnaissance, armed surveillance and precision strikes against ground targets, strengthening Nigeria's ability to fight terrorism.
“The A-29 is the primary tool to help Nigeria fight violent extremism and is vital to sustained deterrence,” said Harrigian. “The complete package – crew and maintainer training, precision-guided weapons delivery and much more – highlights our enduring partnership with the Nigerian Air Force and our commitment to enabling its success wherever we can.”
As part of the program, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is providing $36,1 million in infrastructure for the A-29 home base, Kainji Air Force Base, including covered bunkers and hangars, a new patio, perimeter and security fencing, new airfield lights and various lighting improvements to the patio, parking lot, hangar, guardhouses and control points.
The infrastructure package also includes an annex building for simulator training, as well as ammunition assembly and storage, and handgun storage. The USACE also deployed a project engineer in Kainji to provide ongoing maintenance and assistance.
