The United States Department of Defence has disclosed that Nigeria purchased 12 Tucano fighter jets for US$500 million making it the biggest single swoop arms purchase in subsaharan Africa.
Six out of twelve jets have been receipted by the Nigerian government and have been inducted without public ceremony and demonstration by the Airforce.
There are indications that the remaining six batch would be delivered to the Nigerian government by the year’s end.
The Minister of Defence, Major General Salihi Magashi (Rtd) on Tuesday in Abuja, barred journalists from covering the induction ceremony.
The Commander, U.S Air Forces Europe-Africa Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian said the Super Tucanos were the impetus for the significant deepening of training and professional relationships.
He noted that “the Nigerian Air Force is one of our key partners that play a critical role in furthering regional security and stability.
“This ceremony symbolises the strength of our unique partnership and underscores the value of training and working together.”
According to him, the precision targeting, air-to-ground integration, and human rights training are all included in the partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria.
Harrigian stated the aircraft will assist the Nigerian Air Force in their fight against violent extremist organisations including the Islamic State West Africa Province.
He explained that the joint structure of air-to-ground integration also supports Nigerian Army and Navy operations.
