The delivery of the first batch of Light Attack aircraft to the Afghan armed forces formally concluded today in the presence of the Afghan defense officials.
The first batch include four aircraft delivered by the United States of America as part of the efforts to bolster the capabilities of the Afghan Air force (AAF).
Acting Afghan Defense Minister Masoom Stanikzai reiterated that a long term plan is required to fully equip the Afghan Air Force (AAF), admitting the presence of will by the Afghan government and it’s international allies in modernizing the air force.
Welcoming the delivery of the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano Light Attack aircraft by United States to Afghanistan, Stanikzai said the addition of the aircraft will add to the capabilities of the Afghan air power.
According to Stanikzai, the aircraft are capable to provide close-air support to the ground forces and is able to carry over 30 different types of weapons and munitions to the mission.
The A-29 is a multi-role, fixed-wing aircraft that will provide the Afghan air force with an indigenous air-to-ground capability and aerial reconnaissance capabilities to support the country’s counterinsurgency operations.
Eight Afghan Air Force pilots completed their training late last year and graduated from a program hosted by the 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base in United States and will return to Afghanistan for combat.
The Afghan Air Force (AAF) officials are also optimistic to receive additional close-air support combat choppers and fixed-wing close-air support aircraft during the year.
According to the Afghan Air Force (AAF) will receive a total of 28 MD-530F helicopters that would be outfitted with military equipment.
