Afghan Air Force received its four first A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Afghanistan
 
 
Afghan Air Force received its four first A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft
 
Afghanistan received four A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from the United States, the country’s Defense Ministry spokesman said Friday. "The turboprop aircraft can fire guided rockets," Dawlat Waziri told the Pajhwok Afghan News agency. "The jets would help bolster the Afghan Air Force," he added.
     
Afghan Air Force received its four first A 29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft 640 01The first four AAF A-29 aircraft recently headed to Afghanistan
(Credit: Pajhwok Afghan News)
     

A further four aircraft is due to head to Afghanistan before the end of 2016. A fleet of 20 will be in place by 2018. The US Department of Defense purchased the Super Tucanos in a $427 million contract with Sierra Nevada Corp. and Embraer, with the aircraft produced at Embraer's facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Pilot training is undertaken by the U.S. Air Force's 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

The A-29 Super Tucano, manufactured by Brazilian Embraer aerospace company, is able to carry out advanced training, border surveillance and internal security missions.

In late December 2015, India delivered the first of four planned Mi-25 attack helicopters to the Afghan government as part of their assistance to the country's army as well.

 

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