Super Tucano: NASS members assess progress of work in USA, 6 for delivery in July

Members of the National Assembly (NASS) Joint Committee on Defence and Air Force have visited the United States of America (USA) on inspection tour of Embraer Defence Security Incorporated (EDSI), manufacturers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

A statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet Thursday, said  members of the  committee went to the USA to assess the status and progress of work on the NAF A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

He said the team  led by Senator Michael Nnachi, was briefed by Colonel Authur Ford of the United States Air Force Fighters and Advance Aircraft Directorate on the progress of work and the scheduled date of delivery.

“While briefing the NASS team, Colonel Authur Ford of the United States Air Force Fighters and Advance Aircraft Directorate stated that 10 out of the 12 aircraft were ready for delivery while 2 were undergoing modification and integration to NAF specific operational configuration.

“He went on to state that 6 of the aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria in July 2021 while the remaining 6 will be delivered before the end of October 2021. The NASS team was assured that the aircraft, expected to play critical roles in the fight against insurgency and criminality, would be delivered as planned.

“Responding, Senator Michael Nnachi commended EDSI for the quality of work on the NAF A-29 Super Tucano. He however 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 response, the Col Ford informed the team that the long duration was due to the challenges of configuring the aircraft to fit NAF’s required specifications,” the statement reads.