Aircraft Displayed at Air Force Base in Accra to Boost Counter-Insurgency Capabilities.
The government is considering the purchase of new aircraft for the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance their capabilities in handling insurgencies. The A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft, tailored for counter-insurgency, was displayed at the Air Force Base in Accra to familiarize security experts with its operations.
Manufactured in the U.S. by Sierra Nevada Corporation and Embraer Defense and Security, the A-29 Super Tucano is renowned for its close air support and aerial reconnaissance missions in low-threat environments. The aircraft offers new opportunities to bolster Ghana’s capabilities in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism efforts.
Speaking on the importance of airpower in counter-terrorism and asymmetric warfare, the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, emphasized the need to prioritize efforts in these areas given the current security landscape in the sub-region.
Mr. Nitiwul expressed optimism about the A-29 Super Tucano’s potential to enhance Ghana’s capabilities in combating insurgency and terrorism. He also stressed the importance of reliable ground support for maintaining aircraft operational readiness.
The Vice President of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Business Africa, Mr. Eric Hauff, affirmed his outfit’s commitment to deepen its partnership with Ghana. He highlighted the aircraft’s capability in addressing internal security issues and enhancing overall stability, especially in border and maritime security challenges.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Fredrick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, expressed gratitude to the teams from Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), Embraer Defence and Security, and the Ghana Air Force for ensuring the successful execution of the event. He underscored the importance of considering the Super Tucano aircraft to enhance Ghana Air Force’s deterrent and offensive posture within the sub-region.
The Super Tucano’s versatility, powerful turboprop engines, and rugged design make it an ideal platform to enhance Ghana Air Force’s counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism drive, as well as to safeguard borders and address piracy issues in the maritime domain.