By Boko Haram: US Pentagon Supplies Nigeria Super Tucano Fighter Jets Worth $593m
The United States of America Congress has been notified by the Pentagon of the sales of 12 super Tucano A-29 fighter jets and other military weapons worth $593m to Nigeria which is to help in fighting against terrorist group, boko haram.
BlackBox Nigeria gathered that the negotiations for purchase of the weapons started during the tenure of former President, Barack Obama who agreed to sell the fighter jets to the country. The announcement was made by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency after an initial announcement on August 2nd.
The Super Tucano A-29, an agile, propeller-driven plane with reconnaissance and surveillance as well as attack capabilities, is made by Brazil’s Embraer. A second production line is in Florida, in a partnership between Embraer and privately held Sierra Nevada Corp of Sparks, Nevada.
The Super Tucano costs more than $10 million each and the price can go much higher depending on the configuration.
It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT 6 engine.
The Obama administration delayed the deal after incidents including the Nigerian Air Force’s bombing of a refugee camp in January that killed 90 to 170 civilians.
President Donald Trump has said he plans to go ahead with foreign defence sales delayed under Obama by human rights concerns.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered their certification of the foreign military sale to Congress, as required by law, on August 2, according to United Press International.
The 12 A-29s, equipped with wing-mounted machine guns, weapons integration with advanced surveillance precision-guided bombs, and even air-to-air missiles” are expected to be used by Nigeria to combat the boko haram insurgents and other extremist groups, such as the Islamic State West Africa splinter group.
They will also serve to counter smuggling and other trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
The DSCA has determined that US security interests are served by assisting Nigeria in its counter-insurgency operations and that the A-29 sale will not significantly alter the military balance of power in the region.
The contract will require U.S. Government or private contractors to provide training and support, and will include instruction on rules of engagement and human rights to help prevent civilian casualties.
