– Nigeria’s procurement brings both militaries closer
The United States (U.S.) has applauded Nigeria for its ‘whole of government’ approach to end “violent extremism” through the procurement of the American Sierra Nevada Corporation/Embraer Defense and Security A-29 “Super Tucano” Light Attack aircraft.
The U.S. said that the procurement would help defeat the Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ violence and “ensure a more stable, prosperous country for all Nigerians.”
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kathleen FitzGibbon joined Air Marshal Oladayo Isiaka Amao, the Nigerian Chief of Air Staff and his leadership team, including: Air Vice Marshal Jackson Andrew Yusuf, Air Officer Commanding of Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Pam Chollom, Chief of Logistics, and Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, Base Commander, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kainji in inspecting the six new fighter jets.
The first batch of six American Sierra Nevada Corporation/Embraer Defense and Security A-29 “Super Tucano” Light Attack aircraft arrived their new home last Thursday.
The Super Tucano is a dual-pilot turboprop aircraft built as a workhorse combat air platform, equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and for precision air-to-ground strike missions.
The next six aircraft are scheduled for delivery later this year.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Kathleen FitzGibbon, who spoke after the inspection, said that “these aircraft represent an historic level of cooperation achieved between the U.S. and Nigerian militaries.”
According to a statement by the U.S. Embassy, Abuja, “the Super Tucano platform for Nigeria is the United States’ largest Foreign Military Sales program in Sub-Saharan Africa, valued at almost $500 million.
“This program follows the Department of Defense’s “Total Package Approach” model and includes spare parts for several years of operation, contract logistics support, munitions, and a multi-year construction project to improve Kainji’s infrastructure.
“Through this program, the U.S. Air Force’s 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, trained Nigerian pilots and maintenance crews to U.S. standards.
“Training also emphasizes the Law of Armed Conflict and Civilian Casualty Mitigation, which are fundamental principles of the Nigerian military’s professional education and training.
“With the A-29 Super Tucano purchase, the Nigerian Air Force also has become a founding member of the U.S. Air Force’s “Combined Light Attack Experiment,” which is developing Light Attack global best-practice tactics and doctrine for the 21st century.
“Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard proudly welcomed the pilots and aircraft to Massachusetts on the first leg of their trans-Atlantic flight.”
Chargé d’Affaires FitzGibbon also noted: “Beyond the new hardware that you see on this runway, this program has brought our two militaries closer in formal training, professional development, air base construction, logistics planning, and negotiations.
“We are proud to partner with Nigeria in its ‘whole of government’ approach to end violent extremism and ensure a more stable, prosperous country for all Nigerians.”
