Embraer Defense and Security disclosed that it has signed contracts with three African nations for the acquisition of the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training turboprop.

The Burkina Faso Air Force, the first operator of this model in Africa, has already received three aircraft that are used on border patrol missions. The Angola Air Force recently acquired six of this aircraft for the same mission, and the first three will be delivered in 2012. Also, the Air Force of Mauritania chose the A-29 Super Tucano to carry out counter-insurgency missions.

The total value of the contracts – including an extensive logistical, training, and replacement parts package – comes to more than $180 million.

“The Super Tucano is highly efficient and presents low operating costs. Its capability for surveillance and counter-insurgency missions makes it ideal for service on the continent of Africa,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President, Embraer Defense and Security.

With these orders, nine air forces have now chosen the A-29 Super Tucano in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia.