Afghanistan’s fledgling air force will start receiving 20 U.S.-funded A-29 Super Tucano light air support aircraft in 2014 to fight counterinsurgents, according to an American general.

The turboprops will provide reconnaissance and deliver precision weapons and are part of an effort to reduce the country’s reliance on coalition forces.

“What they will have is the air support that … their ground commanders will need, and in particular, when this A-29 comes onboard, a very, very good and robust capability, as the numbers come onboard,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo Jr., commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force in Afghanistan.

Polumbo made his comments April 23 at a Pentagon press briefing.

The U.S. Air Force in February awarded a $427.5 million contract to Sierra Nevada Corp. of Sparks, Nev., and Brazilian partner Embraer Defense and Security to supply the aircraft, which will be built in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Afghan Air Force already has several types of aircraft, including C-27A transports and Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters.

Source: http://www.defence.pk/forums/afghani...#ixzz2RX2cg37a