Finally, the Nigerian Air Forces (NAF) on Tuesday August 31 2021 inducted six A-29 Super Tucano fighter Jets into its fleet.
The ceremony was hosted by the Defence Minister Bashir Magashi and it was attended by officials of the United States department of Defence.
In his speech during the event Jeff Harrigian the Commander US Air Force Europe -Air Forces Africa said Nigeria’ remain a key partner in strengthening stability in the West African region, a remark which alluded to the reason why US allowed Nigeria purchased A-29 Tacuno jet fighters.
According to him, “the Nigerian Air Force is one of our key partners that plays a critical role in furthering regional security and stability.”
“This ceremony symbolises the strength of our unique partnership and underscores the value of training and working together. The A-29 is a prime tool to help Nigeria combat violent extremism and is vital to sustained deterrence.
“The total package deal — aircrew and maintainer training, precision-guided weapon delivery, and more — highlights our enduring partnership with the Nigerian Air Force and our commitment to enabling their successes where we can.”
US ambassador to Nigeria,Mary Beth Leonard, said the new aircraft will not only enhance NAF’s capabilities but increase training and integration opportunities between Nigerian and US troops.
Nigeria purchased the A-29s at a total value of $500 million through the foreign military sales (FMS) programme and the value make it the largest FMS programme in sub-Saharan Africa.
A total of 64 pilots and maintainers from the Nigerian Air Force were trained on handling the aircraft.
And the United States has pledged to provide $36.1 million in infrastructure as support to the A-29s’ home base in Kainji, Niger state.
Nigerian Air Force is expected to receive 14 more fighter aircraft before the end of 2021.