An A-29 Super Tucano-type aircraft could support training and lower-threat operations such as Afghanistan. The main reservation is institutional: once bought, the aircraft might eventually be used against a peer enemy for which it was never designed. An uncrewed derivative could preserve the same mission while reducing risk to crews. Procurement must account for how future governments may misuse a specialised platform.
Notable Point · 48:52-49:23
A-29 light attack aircraft and the peer-war trap
An aircraft suited to training and permissive wars can become dangerous if leaders later send it against a peer adversary.