First Afghan A-29 Super Tucano pilots graduate

The Afghan Air Force's first class of pilots trained to fly the Embraer-made A-29 Super Tucanos have graduated.

The U.S. Air Force calls Friday's graduation a new era for the Afghan air force, which received the fleet of Super Tucanos in 2013. Despite several setbacks, the 81st Fighter Squadron reactivated in January 2015, resuming classroom training in February and launched its first A-29 training sorties in March.

"The extraordinary dedication of these pilots and the sacrifices these graduates have made will help establish a secure, stable and unified country," Col. John Nichols said in a statement. "They are enabling the future of Afghanistan, a future that will be decided by the Afghans themselves."

The U.S. Air Force announced it approved a contract to supply the Afghan air force with at least 20 A-29 Super Tucanos in January 2010 as part of the effort to boost the Afghan military's counter-insurgency capabilities. According to NATO officials, the A-29 was an ideal fit for Afghanistan because it provided a cost-effective, easy way to sustain platform.

Super Tucanos are designed for light attack, close air support, reconnaissance and counter-insurgency operations. In addition to the Afghan air force, the aircraft is also in service with the air forces of the United States, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and others.