The Afghan Air Force gets four new A29s

KABUL, Afghanistan – The United States has handed over four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan Ministry of Defence, in an effort to strengthen the capabilities of the Afghan Air Force (AAF).

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.

 Four A-29 Super Tucanos are delivered to the Afghan Air Force at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan,  Jan. 15, 2016.  The A-29 Super Tucano is designed to operate in high temperatures and in extremely rugged terrain, the A-29 Super Tucano is highly manoeuverable 4th generation weapons system capable of delivering precision guided munitions. It can fly at low speeds and low altitudes, is easy to fly, and provides exceptionally accurate weapons delivery. -U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb

The delivery, which was completed on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, is the first installment between Afghanistan and the United States. The U.S. is committed to delivering at least 20 of the aircraft to the Afghan Forces.

The AAF is also anticipating delivery of close-air support combat choppers and fixed-wing close-air support aircraft during 2016.

Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office