Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghana Air Force (GHF), in collaboration with the Sierra Nevada Corporation of the United States of America (USA), and Embraer Defence and Security of Brazil, have held a Static Display and Flight Demonstration with the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, towards acquisition.
The momentous event took place at the Air Force Base (AFB), Accra, on Monday 19 February 2024, with observation by many personages such as Ghana’s Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla – Mr Dominic Aduna Bingab Nitiwul, other Government representatives, and the Military High Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
After the static display of the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, the pilots demonstrated the capacities of the aircraft with performances such a Fast Fly-Past with speed of about 460km per hour (240 knots), 300-500 feet (ft) Nose-Up (start climbing) with Slow Rolls, low speed Fly Past, and simulations of air-to-ground attack (2000ft to 300ft).
The US-made Super-Tucano aircraft is used variously for border patrols, surveillance, counterterrorism, and counter insurgency operations in Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
It can be outfitted with a range of armaments and capabilities like two internal 50 Calibre Machine Guns, and 5 external hard ports capable of carrying a variety of weapons, with external fuel tanks, air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles like laser guided and rocket ports, air-launched anti-tank guided missiles, variety of sensors and targeting systems, and can be further enhanced through integration and various systems, for specific operations.
It could be employed in close-air support, armed reconnaissance and counter insurgency operations, and has some elegant acrobatic prowess for display.
Speaking before the display Mr Nitiwul said the prevailing security landscape in African sub-region underscores the imperative for nations, to prioritize efforts in counter-terrorism and various forms of asymmetric warfare.
Drawing insights from experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Russia-Ukraine war, it is evident that airpower confers a crucial asymmetric advantage, capable of decisively impacting engagements, where adversaries possess advantages in other domains, and that air superiority forms foundation for successful counter-insurgency operations, he said.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of GAF – Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe said in his welcome remarks that, the flight demonstration and static display, will provide the platform for collaboration, facilitate processes and negotiations, and align GHF’s requirements for future considerations and acquisition.
Stating his vision to build a smart Air Force capable of defending Ghana’s territorial air space against any threats, and delivering air power effectively and efficiently for national development, while enhancing the welfare of airmen, AVM Bekoe said the prospects of acquiring the Super Tucano comes handy to enhance GHF’s deterrence and offensive posture in the sub-region.
The capabilities of the Super Tucano, he continued, is suitable for counter terrorism, counter insurgency, and close combat missions, air-to-ground attack simulation for close air-support that is used to support Special Forces, safeguard Ghana’s borders, and to deal with piracy issues in the maritime domain.
Mr Eric Hauff – SNC’s Senior Director International Business, Africa said, over 15 years, his institution has developed deep ties with West Africa, supporting United States African Command (USAFRICOMM) Security Cooperation programs, as well as other critical regional defence programs.
He added that with an eye toward countering violent extremist organizations and promoting regional security and peace, SNC partnered with Embraer to produce the A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft, which has delivered over 275 aircrafts worldwide, and has accumulated more than 500,000 flight hours and over 60,000 combat hours.
He stated that SNC understands that Ghana requires an agile, on-call combat and reconnaissance aircraft that can be sustained affordably and effectively, and that the powerful turboprop Super Tucano, known for its rugged and durable design, with an operating cost lower than $1,500 per flying hour, is suitable, as its 15 year operation in West Africa has not suffered any loss to enemy fire.
Mr Arnaud Sobrero – Director, Business Development, West Africa, Embraer Defence and Security, said the combination of Embraer proven platform and SNC’s experience and expertise in military operations, with the backing of the US Air Force, makes a powerful partnership to deliver to GHF the best capabilities to meet Ghana’s security requirements.
Mr Sobrero continued that the A-29 has been deployed in 4 countries so far in West Africa with 22 aircrafts in operation, and that it is the right platform for Ghana’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and a key asset to pilots’ advanced training, as well as to inspire a new generation of personnel.
Embraer Defence & Security is in the aerospace and defence industry in Latin America, and produces A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer, the multi-mission C-390 Millennium military airlift, and provides integrated solutions and applications such as Command and Control Centre (C41), radars, ISR and Space, with presence over 60 countries.
Sierra Nevada Corporation deals in innovative, advanced technology solutions and open architecture integrations in aerospace and national security, and is headquartered in Nevada, with a global team that spans more than 40 locations worldwide.
Present at the AFB, Accra included Her Excellency Luiza Barbosa – 1st Secretary of the Brazilian Embassy, Accra; Chief of the Defence Staff, GAF – Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah; Chief of the Army Staff – Major General Bismarck Onwona; Chief of the Naval Staff – Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu;
Also present were Deputy Chiefs of Staff of GAF; Formation Commanders, Directors General, Acting Director General Religious Affairs – Colonel Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode; Directors, Senior Officers, Officers, Forces Sergeant Major, Master Air Warrant Officer, GHF, 13. Airmen, Defence Civilian Staff, Senior Executives of SNC and Embraer Defence and Security.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
