Nigeria spent close to $500m on six Tucano, says US Envoy
By Kunle Adebola
The Nigerian Government invested no fewer than $500m in the purchase of six Super Tucano, the United States has said.
‘The total sale is valued at almost $500m, making it the largest FMS program in sub-Saharan Africa. The A-29 can perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision air-to-ground strikes, strengthening Nigeria’s ability to fight terrorism,” a statement by the United States Africa Command Public Affairs made available to Irohinoodua quoted the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard as saying.
The statement said a total of 64 pilots and maintainers from the Nigerian Airforce were trained to US standards with the US Air Force’s 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Base in Georgia, USA. Training also emphasized the law of Armed Conflict and civilian casualty mitigation, which are fundamental principles of the Nigerian military’s professional education and training.”
The Ambassador further said ” As part of the programme, the US Army Corps of Engineers is providing $36.1m in infrastructure support to the A-29s’ home base, Kainji Air Base, including a covered magazines and aircraft sunshades, a new airfield hot cargo pad, perimeter and security fencing, airfield lights, and various airfield apron, parking, hangar and entry control point enhancements.”
