Article Posted on : - Jun 22, 2015

PARIS (BNS): After inking a deal with the Republic of Mali for six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training turboprop aircraft, Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer has won another contract from Ghana to provide five of the trainer jets.

The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show on June 19, includes logistic support for the operation of the aircraft as well as the set-up of a training system for pilots and mechanics in Ghana that will provide autonomy to the Ghana Air Force in preparing qualified personnel.

The A-29 Super Tucano will be deployed for advanced training, border surveillance and internal security missions, Embraer said.

"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"

The A-29 Super Tucano is currently used by ten air forces in three continents. It was also selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) for its Light Air Support (LAS) programme.

The aircraft is designed to carry out a wide range of missions, including close air support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.