Breaking news
Sierra Nevada lands $1.8Bn FMS for A-29 Super Tucano supply to Afghanistan.
Sierra Nevada Corp. has been awarded a ceiling US$1,8 billion IDIQ contract for potential procurement, sustainment, modifications, ferry, and related equipment for the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, the US Department of Defense announced yesterday.
An Afghan Air Force A-29 taxis March 22, 2018, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. The Pilots of the A-29 have proven their capability employing laser guided munitions during training scenarios and began using the GBU-58 in combat March 22, 2018
(Credit: U.S. Forces-Afghanistan)
"Work will be performed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia; and Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazari Sharif Air Bases, Afghanistan. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. Â This contract involves foreign military sales to Afghanistan," the service said. Â
This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition and is funded by appropriated Afghanistan Security Forces funds, the Pentagon added.
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 (AAF) for close-air attack, air interdiction, escort and armed reconnaissance.
Twenty A-29 light attack aircraft were purchased for the Afghan Air Force in 2013, following a competition won over the AT-6B Texan II. The first four aircraft arrived in Afghanistan in January 2016. By May 2018, the AAF had 14 A-29s in service.