Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The U.S Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), is to partner Nigerian Air Force (NAF) overcome security challenges by supplying Super Tucano air crafts. The partnership was to initially supply a minimum of two air crafts to “boost counterinsurgency operations” in the Northeast region. Announcing the partnership on Sunday in Maiduguri, Spokesman of NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola in a statement said that the counterinsurgency operation could be effectively executed with lighter Super Tucano air crafts. According to Daramola; “Manufacturers of the A-29 Super Tucano attack air crafts, are to expedite action on delivery to Nigeria to enhance NAF’s operational capabilities and aerial surveillance. “This will swiftly conclude the counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast that have already claimed many lives and property in insurgency affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. “The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar made the request on August 24. 2018, while receiving a delegation from the Company on a courtesy visit at Headquarters NAF, Abuja,” said Daramola. He said the major concern of the NAF, was the time frame of delivering the fighter light ai crafts. On air crafts’ efficiency, Abubakar said: “If lighter air crafts, like Super Tucanos, with its long range, precision munitions; as well as day and night capability, could be made available to us in good time, the counterinsurgency operations could be concluded for peace to reign.” The Senior Vice President of SNC, Mr. Taco Gilbert assured Abubakar that the aircraft manufacturing firm is determined to deliver quality air crafts. He also expressed the commitments of the firm to the training of NAF’s air and ground crew. He said this was to ensure effective and efficient operation of the air crafts to be delivered. “This collaboration with NAF towards building a new air capability, will address the security challenges in Nigeria,” said Gilbert. According to him, the air crafts are capable of providing the needed impetus for NAF air operations.
