Ghana to buy 5 Combat Aircrafts in Brazil

The Government of Ghana (GoG) through the Ministry of Defense has entered into a contract for the supply of five combat aircrafts with Brazilian Aircraft manufacturer, Embraer Defense and Security.

The aircrafts in question are A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training turbo props. This information was contained in a press statement released in Paris by the company.

According to the 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."

The statement further noted that the supply contract will come into effect once certain conditions are concluded by the end of the year.

The decision to purchase the aircrafts was disclosed by the President, John Dramani Mahama last year, during the opening of the Ghana Air Force's maintenance, hangar and logistics warehouse at Burma Camp in Accra.

The Super Tucano and other aircrafts to be purchased from Russia, China and Spain were part of an integrated fleet to secure Ghana and also to support United nations (UN) peacekeeping operations in other countries.

In the words of President Mahama; “We must sustain the atmosphere of peace and security needed for the development of all sectors of the country. To do that, we must continue to invest in the latest equipment not only for the Air Force, but for all the security agencies.”

The Ghana Armed Forces' personnel are currently engaged in UN peacekeeping operations in West African countries, Mali, Ivory Coast and South Sudan in North Africa. They also have presence in Far Eastern country of Lebanon.

Jackson Schneider, president of Embraer Defense and Security, expressed his delight at the agreement; “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. 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,” he stated.

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 unrivaled munitions capacity.

It is the only combat proven and fully operational light attack/advanced training aircraft in the global market. It is proven to be 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.

It is also used by ten Air Forces across three continents. Its estimated cost hovers between USD 9 - 14 million with an hourly operational cost of 450 – 500USD.