By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Air Force has inaugurated operations support facilities and winged six additional pilots on the A-29 Super Tucano (A-29ST) aircraft.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Famuyiwa said the latest facility induction was a major milestone recorded by the NAF in its acquisition of the United States-made aircraft.
He said the ceremony signified the official completion of the A-29ST projects by the Government of the United States as part of the government-to-government sale of the A-29ST aircraft to Nigeria.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo, said the projects are the last of the infrastructure development packages executed towards actualising full operation and security of the A-29ST aircraft.
He expressed the hope that the facilities would ensure optimal employment of the aircraft in furtherance of NAF readiness and responsiveness to security challenges in the country.
“As the A-29ST programme winds up, the event provided the opportunity to wing six pilots who constitute the last batch of a total of 24 pilots trained within the package.
“Recall that discussion about NAF acquisition of the A-29ST aircraft started in 2016; however, the contract for the production of the aircraft was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation in 2018.
“The contract comprised supply of 12 aircraft and infrastructure and facility upgrade to support the aircraft operation.
“The first phase of the contract has since been completed with the delivery of the entire aircraft, while the infrastructure handover and inauguration marked the completion of the second phase,” he said.
He expressed appreciations to the Governments of Nigeria and the United States and everyone who made the project a reality.
(NAN)
