Nigerian Air Force Receives New Facilities for A-29 Super Tucano fleet

An investment of $38 million has been made to construct new facilities at Kainji Air Base for the Nigerian Air Force’s fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

The Nigerian Ministry of Defence hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 27, attended by senior members of the U.S. Department of Defense.

“The A-29 provides light attack, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities needed to confront security threats and the newly constructed facilities provide the support needed to keep the aircraft operational and effective,” said Brig. Gen. Joel Safranek, director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate.

The effort, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is AFSAC’s first major construction project in sub-Saharan Africa and is part of a larger $500 million total package approach, to include the acquisition, training and long-term sustainment of the aircraft.

Some of the major construction upgrades include the creation of a munition storage area with earth-covered magazines for secure storage capability. The area also includes a munitions maintenance and assembly facility, new taxiway and hot cargo pad.

To support A-29 operations, a new facility with mission planning and debriefing rooms and a Battle Aviation Training Device was constructed.

The team also modernized an existing hangar, adding more electrical capability to maintain the aircraft and renovating the tire shop and battery room. In addition, 12 sunshades were installed to provide sun protection for maintenance crews and the aircraft when they are not in a hangar.

The construction project also significantly increased security infrastructure with the installation of miles of fencing and improvements to base entry control points.