Boko Haram: US finally approve sale of war planes to Nigeria
By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye
The United States of America has finally approved of a $593 million sale of A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets with associated parts, training , facilities and weapons to Nigeria.
United Press International, UPI, published that, “The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered their certification of the foreign military sale to Congress, as required by law, on August 2.
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“The DSCA has determined that U.S. 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.”
It reports that, “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.”
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Explaining further, the news agency noted that, “The Embraer A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop light attack plane in service with countries across the world. It is designed for counter-insurgency operations and close-air support in areas lacking significant air defenses. It is also widely used as a training aircraft.
According to UPI, light planes like the Tucano “can fulfill air support and surveillance needs in low-risk environments at a much lower operational cost than heavier jets like the A-10 or F-16 and require less flight and maintenance training.”
Recall that past attempts to procure the plane under the Obama administration was frustrated by accusations of human rights abuses against the Nigerian military.
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