By Aiyeku Timothy
The United States have expressed readiness to deliver twelve A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Nigeria as scheduled in 2021.
U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Barbara Barrett, said this when she visited Abuja on January 4 – 5, 2021, and met with members of the National Assembly and senior military officials at the Ministry of Defence.
Secretary Barrett’s visit was to strengthen the military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.
She therefore, said twelve A-29 Super Tucano aircraft would be delivered as scheduled in 2021 while 60 Nigerian military pilots, instructors, and aircraft maintenance specialists would be trained over the span of 24 months.
The Nigerian pilots will train on the same aircraft that they will fly in combat operations against insurgent groups and terrorist organization.
On the part of the FG, the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Armed Forces briefed Secretary Barrett on their continuing efforts to strengthen military professionalism through programs such as Air Ground Integration (AGI).
Through AGI, the Nigerian Air Force plans to increase both its tactical and operational competencies. The training that enhances these competencies will also address the laws that govern armed conflict and respect for international human rights in ways aimed at reducing the risk of civilian harm.
Secretary Barrett began her tenure as 25th Secretary of the Air Force on October 18, 2019 and leads the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
