The Air Force wants to bolster the Afghan military’s air wing with four more A-29 Super Tucanos. Air Force Materiel Command on Oct. 7 posted a “sources sought” notice for the production of four more of the Embraer and Sierra Nevada light air support aircraft for the Afghan Air Force. The AAF already has 20 of the aircraft under contract, with eight currently in operation in Afghanistan. Afghan airmen have increased their operations with the small fleet after reaching initial operational capability in April. As of this summer, the aircraft had not yet employed precision-guided munitions—a capability expected shortly. (See also: The Afghan Air Force’s Manning Shortfall.)
Pakistan's kill chain of Chinese-origin weapons was likely a bigger factor in shooting down an Indian fighter than the jets' relative strengths, an expert said.