The U.S. Department of Defense has announced on 4 April that Sierra Nevada Corp. has been awarded a $42,7 million contract for A-29 Super Tucano training for the Afghanistan Air Force.

According to a statement, this contract provides for A-29 pilot and maintenance training.

Work will be performed at Moody Air Base, Georgia; and in Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

The A-29 Super Tucano is an enhanced version of the EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft, features faster speed and higher altitude capabilities. The prototype of the Super Tucano first flew in 1992.

In addition to basic and advanced pilot training, the main missions of the aircraft are border patrol and counter-insurgency operations.

The A-29s aids in the continuation of the Afghan light air support training mission, which ultimately provides Afghan pilots with the capabilities of finding, tracking, and attacking targets either on their own or in support of ground forces.

Designed to operate in high temperatures and in extremely rugged terrain, the A-29 is a highly maneuverable fourth-generation weapons system capable of delivering precision guided munitions. The aircraft is being used by the Afghan air force (AFF) for close-air attack, air interdiction, escort and armed reconnaissance.

Total the Pentagon has ordered 26 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the Afghan Air Force.