US to Sell 12 Super Tucano fighter Aircraft to Nigeria for $593 Million

The United States has agreed to sell 12 A29 Super Tucano aircraft with weapons and services for $593 million to Nigeria.

The US ambassador presented the letters of offer and acceptance, the official agreement to make the sale, Nigerian Air force said in a statement Wednesday.

The agreements are expected to be signed and necessary payments made before Feb. 20, the statement said, adding that the U.S. State Department has already approved the sale.

Nigeria has been seeking permission from the U.S. government to buy A-29s since 2015; however, the Obama administration had put the sale on hold due to concerns about the country’s human rights record.

In February, U.S. President Donald Trump signalled his support for the sale during a phone call with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Besides the 12 aircraft, the weapons package also includes training, munitions, related equipment and maintenance support.