The United States has said that the A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets recently received from America will assist Nigeria’s anti-terrorism fight, especially in the North-Eastern part of the West African country.
The statement was made on Tuesday when the US Department of Defense leaders attended the induction ceremony of the Super Tucano jets.
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The US defence leaders attended the induction hosted by Nigerian Minister of Defence Bashir Magashi, according to a statement by the US Mission in Nigeria titled, ‘U.S.-made A-29 Super Tucano aircraft officially inducted into Nigerian Air Force’.
US Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa Commander, Gen. Jeff Harrigian, said, “The Nigerian Air Force is one of our key partners that play a critical role in furthering regional security and stability. This ceremony symbolizes the strength of our unique partnership and underscores the value of training and working together.”
The Super Tucanos were the impetus for the significant deepening of training and professional relationships, he stated, adding that precision targeting, air-to-ground integration, and human rights training are all included in the partnership between the US and Nigeria.
“The aircraft will assist the Nigerian Air Force in their fight against violent extremist organizations including the Islamic State West Africa Province. The joint structure of air-to-ground integration also supports Nigerian Army and Navy operations.
“Nigeria purchased the A-29s through the Foreign Military Sales program, which 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 Air Base infrastructure,” the statement noted.
The total sale of the jets is valued at almost $500 million, making it the largest FMS program in sub-Saharan Africa.
Harrigian; and US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, said the platform would help improve Nigerian Air Force capabilities, as well as increase training and integration opportunities between Nigerian and US troops.
“The A-29 is a prime tool to help Nigeria combat violent extremism and is vital to sustained deterrence,” Harrigian said. “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.”
A total of 64 pilots and maintainers from the Nigerian Air Force 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.
For over 10 years, Nigeria has been fighting an insurgency war against the Boko Haram terror group and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province. Thousands of civilians including Nigerian troops have lost their lives to the war. (Punch)
