The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday said the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano fighter aircraft procured from the US has arrived at Kano. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information confirmed the arrival of the fighter aircraft in a statement in Abuja. Gabkwet said, “On hand to receive the aircraft were the Hon. Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao”
“About three years ago, the federal government and the United States signed a pact that resulted in a government to government acquisition of military equipment out of which we are expecting twelve Tucano aircraft or fighter planes that will help combat insecurity,” the apex bank boss explained during a two-day Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja where he also expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its security challenges.
“I am aware that six of them are coming to the country in the months of July and August.”
Gabkwet said the second batch of the A-29 Super Tucano is expected to arrive in the country before the end of the year.
President Muhammadu Buhari placed an order for 12 Super Tucano fighter jets after extensive discussions with the U.S government in April 2018.
