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U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs Abuja, Nigeria — U.S. Division of Protection leaders attended the A-29 Tremendous Tucano induction ceremony, hosted by Nigerian Minister of Defence Bashir Salihi Magashi and the Nigerian Air Power, right here Aug. 31.
“The Nigerian Air Power is certainly one of our key companions that performs a essential position in furthering regional safety and stability,” mentioned Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander. “This ceremony symbolizes the power of our distinctive partnership and underscores the worth of coaching and dealing collectively.”
The Tremendous Tucanos had been the impetus for vital deepening of coaching {and professional} relationships, he added. Precision focusing on, air-to-ground integration, and human rights coaching are all included within the partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria. The plane will help the Nigerian Air Power of their struggle towards violent extremist organizations together with the Islamic State West Africa Province. The joint construction of air-to-ground integration additionally helps Nigerian Military and Navy operations.
Nigeria bought the A-29s via the Overseas Army Gross sales program, which follows the Division of Protection’s “Complete Bundle Strategy” mannequin and contains spare elements for a number of years of operation, contract logistics assist, munitions, and a multi-year development challenge to enhance Kainji Air Base infrastructure. The full sale is valued at virtually $500 million, making it the most important FMS program in sub-Saharan Africa.
Harrigian and U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard spoke to media about how this platform will assist enhance Nigerian Air Power capabilities, in addition to improve coaching and integration alternatives between Nigerian and U.S. troops. The A-29 can carry out intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision air-to-ground strikes, strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to struggle terrorism.
“The A-29 is a primary instrument to assist Nigeria fight violent extremism and is significant to sustained deterrence,” Harrigian mentioned. “The full bundle deal-aircrew and maintainer coaching, precision-guided weapon supply, and more-highlights our enduring partnership with the Nigerian Air Power and our dedication to enabling their successes the place we are able to.”
A complete of 64 pilots and maintainers from the Nigerian Air Power educated to U.S. requirements with the U.S. Air Power’s 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Base in Georgia, USA. Coaching additionally emphasised the Regulation of Armed Battle and civilian casualty mitigation, that are elementary rules of the Nigerian army’s skilled schooling and coaching.
As a part of this system, the U.S. Military Corps of Engineers is offering $36.1M in infrastructure assist to the A-29s’ residence base, Kainji Air Base, together with earth-covered magazines and plane sunshades, a brand new airfield sizzling cargo pad, perimeter and safety fencing, airfield lights, and varied airfield apron, parking, hangar, and entry management level enhancements.
The infrastructure bundle additionally features a flight annex wing constructing for simulator coaching in addition to munitions meeting and storage and small arms storage. USACE has additionally stationed a challenge engineer at Kainji to supply ongoing upkeep and help.
USACE beforehand detailed its assist to Nigeria right here.
The Tremendous Tucano induction ceremony is the newest of a number of vital engagements between U.S. Africa Command, its elements, and Nigerian counterparts. Different latest engagements embrace a go to by the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in August 2021 and U.S. Military Particular Forces coaching with the Nigeria Navy Particular Boat Service in July 2021.
U.S. Military Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, visited Nigeria in February 2021, the place he met with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Employees Ibrahim Gambari, Minister of Defence Magashi, and Chief of Defence Employees Gen. Leo Irabor.
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