The first batch of six A-29 Tucano aircraft ordered by the Federal Government for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has departed the United States for Nigeria.

The jets will complement NAF’s fleet in the fight against insurgency and banditry in the parts of the country, especially the Northeast and Northwest.

They will fly through Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Algeria before arriving in Nigeria at the end of July.

NAF Director Public Relations and Information Edward Gabkwet, in a statement disclosed that the official ceremony to induct the aircraft is being planned.

According to the statement, “the first batch of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft has departed the United States enroute to Nigeria.

“The six aircraft will be leapfrogged through five countries, including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Algeria before arriving at their final destination in Nigeria towards the end of July 2021.

“An official induction ceremony of the aircraft into the inventory of the NAF is already being planned at a later date in August 2021 to be announced in due course.”

Currently, the A-29 Tucano aircraft are used by 15 air forces worldwide.

SNC and Embraer Defense & Security received a contract from NAF in December 2018 to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.

The contract includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, ground equipment, spares, and other related support.