US Air Force Secretary visits Niger and Nigeria
US Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett visited Niger and Nigeria this week in the framework of cooperation with these countries' air forces. Within this framework, there will be several deliveries of air assets by the USAF.
In particular, Barrett took part in the ceremony for the delivery of the first C-130 to Niger, making it the 70th country to use this model of aircraft. The ceremony took place at the 101st Air Base in Niamey, where the United States has improved the facilities to locate the aircraft.
The United States has invested around $30 million in Niger's C-130 programme, thus supporting not only the acquisition of the aircraft but also the training of Nigerian personnel to optimise the use of the aircraft. In this way, the United States has trained 16 pilots and more than 30 professionals involved in maintenance and operation, from flight engineers to crew chiefs.
Barrett has met not only with the US ambassador in the country, Eric Whitaker, but also with the Nigerian defence minister, Issofou Katambe, and his chief of staff, General Mody. During the events the US investment in the infrastructures of other air bases, costing $17 million, was also pointed out. These improvements also include a hangar at the US-built Base 201 in Agadez, where it maintains its MQ-9B Reaper to operate over the Sahel.
The USAF secretary also had time to attend an event on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which brought together the country's first female pilot, Captain Ouma Laouali, among others.
In addition to Niger, Barrett also visited Nigeria, where in his meeting with political and military authorities, including the country's defence minister, the United States pledged to deliver a dozen A-29 Super Tucano aircraft later this year.
As with Niger, the United States will also be responsible for training up to 60 pilots, instructors and maintenance specialists for these aircraft over a two-year period.
During this visit, Barrett also referred to a principle of collaboration between the two air forces in relation to space, taking advantage of the first anniversary of the establishment of the US Space Force.