By Saminu Ibrahim
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar on Tuesday said the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) is awaiting the delivery of six out of 12 A – 29 Super Tucanos Aircrafts to tackle fight against insurgency soon.
It would be recalled that Nigeria procured the Aircrafts from the United States of America in 2017.
Sadique spoke shortly after the presentation and defence of the 2021 budget estimates of NAF before the Senate Committee on Air Force in Abuja.
He explained that six out of the 12 Super Tucanos sold to Nigeria in 2017 by the United States ( USA), will soon be delivered for combat actions and air assaults against criminal elements in the country.
Consequently, the Chief of Air Staff said air fighters from the Nigeria Airforce, have commenced further training in the United States on the usage and applications of the fighter jets when delivered.
Sadique revealed that the Airforce is expecting delivery of 19 additional aircrafts in the fight against insecurity in the North East.
He said the Airforce had carried out operation for over 60,000 hours with half of those in the North East to fight insurgency.
“We are expecting 3 J-17 fighters from Pakistan, 12 super Tucano from United States, one M-171 etc.
“Out of the 12 A – 29 Super Tucanos from US, six are almost here as those to handle them , have been sent on training for that purpose.
“A total of 200 personnel are receiving trainings in nine different countries of the world on handling of combat aircrafts “, he said .
The pilots he added, would soon join their colleagues in the fight against insecurity and in particular, insurgency in the North East
