The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will take delivery the full order of 12 A-29 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft by October 2021 from Embraer Defence Security Incorporated (EDSI). A second batch of six examples will be delivered before the end of the year, adds Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the prime contractor for the Nigerian acquisition. The long duration was due to the challenges of configuring the aircraft to fit Nigerian Air Force’s required specifications.
Colonel Authur Ford of the U.S. Air Force Fighters and Advance Aircraft Directorate stated while briefing members of the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) Joint Committee on Defence and Air Force (JCDAF) who are currently visiting EDSI facilities in Jacksonville, Florida. Senator Michael Nnachi who leads the JCDAF queried the long duration of time from the date of full payment to expected date of delivery, which he estimated to be between 3 to 4 years.
In November 2013, Nigeria has shown interest in acquiring twelve brand new Super Tucanos. Three aircraft were already bought from the Brazilian Air Force inventory. The United States indicated that it would be moving forward with a deal to sell up to 12 of the aircraft for up to US$600 million. In August 2017, the US Department of State had approved of the sale of 12 aircraft and associated supplies and weapons.
In November 2018, the Pentagaon announced a $329,076,750 contract action (for 12 Nigerian A-29 Super Tucano) was approved with a not-to-exceed amount of $344,727,439 to include a Forward Looking Infrared System for six of the aircraft. The contract for the Nigerian Air Force includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment, alternate mission equipment and contiguous U.S. interim contractor support.
SNC and Embraer Defense & Security were awarded the contract to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the NAF. The contract includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment, alternate mission equipment, contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support and field service representatives for OCONUS support.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the most reliable and cost-effective solution for basic and advanced flight and combat training, close air support operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), counter-insurgency and irregular warfare scenarios. The Super Tucano is the gold standard for light attack, combat and reconnaissance aircraft. Built in the U.S. by Sierra Nevada Corporation and its partner, Embraer Defense & Security, the A-29 has been selected by 15 air forces worldwide.
