Nigeria has received the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft at Kano Airport. 

This was made known in a statement issued by Nigerian Air Force NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. 

“On hand to receive the Tucano 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,” Gabkwet said. 

What you should know

The Federal Government in February 2018 placed an order for 12 Super Tucano aircraft at a cost of $496million. Several delivery dates have been announced for the aircraft before Thursday’s announcement.

The armed turboprops will conduct strikes against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province and bandits in North-East and North-West regions. 

The aircraft which came off the production line in Jacksonville Florida, have Paveway II guided bombs, laser-guided rockets, 12.7 mm ammunition, unguided bombs and infrared sensors.

The Air Force had last year stated that air fighters from Nigeria were already in the U.S. receiving additional training on the usage and the applications of the fighter jets when eventually added to the fleet of combat aircraft.