Ghana has signed a deal with Brazil's jet maker Embraer Defense and Security Company to provide Ghana with five A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircrafts, including training for pilots and mechanics.
Even though the company will not disclose the amount involved, industry figures suggest the deal is worth over $106.75 million as each aircraft is estimated to cost about $21.35 million.
In September last year, Embraer delivered the first of 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the US Air Force, for use in Afghanistan after the NATO troop withdrawal at the cost of $427 million.
Dividing $427 million by 20 translates into $21.35 million for one aircraft.
According to a statement on Embraer Defense & Security website, the contract with Ghana will come into effect once certain conditions expected to be fulfilled during the second half of 2015 are sealed.
The planes will be used in advanced training, border surveillance and internal security missions in Ghana, Embraer said in a statement.
The contract includes logistic support for the operation of these aircraft as well as the set up of a training system for pilots and mechanics in Ghana that will provide the autonomy of the Ghana Air Force in preparing qualified personnel.
“We are pleased to welcome Ghana Air Force as a new operator of the Super Tucano, an aircraft that is already consolidated in the global market, expanding our presence in Africa,” said Jackson Schneider, President of Embraer Defense & Security.
“We are confident that with this acquisition, the Air Force of Ghana will be equipped with the most appropriate and proven solution to attend its operational needs,” it said.
According to the company, the A-29 Super Tucano is currently used by 10 air forces in three continents. It was also selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) for its Light Air Support (LAS) programme.
It said after more than 10 years in action, the Super Tucano has gained an excellent performance record with over 230,000 flight hours and 30,000 combat hours.
Embraer said it has received more than 210 firm orders and has delivered more than 190 aircraft.
The Super Tucano is a robust and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, including close air support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
With more than 130 weapons configurations certified, it is equipped with advanced electronic, electro-optic, infrared and laser system technologies, as well as secure radio systems with data links and unrivalled munitions capacity.
The Super Tucano is the only combat proven and fully operational light attack/advanced training aircraft in the global market.
This makes it highly reliable and allows for an excellent cost-benefit ratio for a wide range of military missions, even operating from unpaved runways and in hostile environments.
The A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft or Embraer EMB 314 is an enhanced version of the EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft, but can cruise at faster speed and higher altitude.
The aircraft is capable of carrying general-purpose bombs and guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It is armed with two wing-mounted 12.7mm machine guns with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds a minute.
With more than 130 weapons configurations certified, the aircraft features advanced electronic, electro-optic, infrared and laser system technologies, as well as secure radio systems with data links and unrivalled munitions capacity.
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