The first batch of 6 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft have departed the United States of America on Wednesday, 14 July 2021 enroute Nigeria. The 6 aircraft will be leapfrogged through five countries including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Algeria before arriving their final destination in Nigeria towards the end of July 2021.
Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said 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 Office of the Director of Public Relations and Information remains open to any inquiry regarding the arrival and induction of the aircraft.
Gabkwet said the Office of the Director of Public Relations and Information as usual remains open to any inquiry regarding the arrival and induction of the aircraft.
The federal government in 2018, paid $462million for 12 Tucanos and other weapons in order to effectively prosecute the war against insurgency.
The payment covers Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems for six of the aircraft.
The fighter jets are said to have Paveway II guided bombs, laser-guided rockets, 12.7 mm ammunition, unguided bombs and infrared sensors.
The contract also provided for ground training equipment, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment and support services.