The Republic of Ghana’s Defence Ministry has signed a contract with Embraer Defense & Security to purchase five A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training turboprops.
Under this contract, Embraer will also be responsible for the delivery of logistic support to operate these aircraft along with the establishment of a training system for pilots and mechanics in Ghana.
Embraer Defense & Security president Jackson Schneider 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.
"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."
Ghana is expected to deploy the A-29 Super Tucano for advanced training, border surveillance and internal security missions.
The A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft or Embraer EMB 314 is an enhanced version of the EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft, but can cruise at a faster speed and higher altitude.
It will be able to perform an array of missions including close air support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Moreover, the aircraft is capable of carrying general-purpose bombs and guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It is armed with two wing-mounted 12.7mm machine guns with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds a minute.
The A-29 Super Tucano also features advanced electronic, electro-optic, infrared and laser system technologies, as well as secure radio systems with data links and unrivalled munitions capacity.
Recently, the Mali Defence Ministry signed a contract with Embraer Defense & Security to purchase six A-29 Super Tucano.
Image: A Colombian Super Tucano light attack and advanced training turboprop. Photo: courtesy of Andrés Ramirez.
