KABUL – A new wave of A-29 Super Tucanos arrived in support of the 81stFighter Squadron’s training mission, April 24 and 26, it has been reported.
According to a report by the US Military, the A-29s will aid in thecontinuation of the Afghan light air support training mission, whichultimately provides Afghan pilots with the capabilities of finding,tracking, and attacking targets either on their own or in support of groundforces.
“The A-29 program has been an integral part of the U.S. government’soverall ‘Building Partnership Capacity’ efforts around the world andimmediately supports the development of an indigenous air force inAfghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. Christopher Craige, formally actingcommanding general at Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air).
“This rapidly developed program for Afghanistan is unique for the A-29development because this is the first time USAF pilots and maintainers havebeen trained as instructors to conduct training for Afghan students in theUnited States.”
Designed to operate in high temperatures and in extremely rugged terrain,the A-29 is a highly maneuverable fourth-generation weapons system capableof delivering precision guided munitions. The aircraft is being used by theAfghan air force (AFF) for close-air attack, air interdiction, escort andarmed reconnaissance.
An AFF A-29 pilot, quoted in the report, said “The AAF plays a major rolein this,” said one Afghan A-29 pilot.