Final Batch Of Super Tucano Fighters Arrive Nigeria From US

Final Batch Of Super Tucano Fighters Arrive Nigeria From US

The federal government have received all 12 Super Tucano armed turboprops ordered from the United States to combat terrorism.

Information Minister, Lai Mohammed announced the arrival on Monday.

The assets have Paveway II guided bombs, laser-guided rockets, 12.7 mm ammunition, unguided bombs and infrared sensors.

Mohammed said they are being used against Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements in the North-East.

“All the 12 Super Tucano fighter jets have been received. All the 12 are here and have been deployed to the North-East”, the official told TV Continental.

The minister further described the Tucano aircraft as a “game changer”.

He noted that successes recorded recently were due to the acquisition of the new platforms and others.

Confirmed as America’s largest African defense deal, the 2018 purchases were worth nearly $500million.

It covered 12 A-29 Super Tucano, extra weapons, spare parts, contract logistics aid, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and maintainers training.

The US Army Corps of Engineers has also commenced the construction of a $36million infrastructure at the Kainji Air Base.

Facilities include magazines and aircraft sunshades, flight annex wing building, ammunition depot, small arms storage, perimeter fencing, airfield cargo pad, lights, apron and hangar.