Afghanistan Air Force - Updates and Discussions.

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/afghan-air-to-afghan-ground-special-units-conduct-integration-training-02602
Afghan Air to Afghan Ground: special units conduct integration training
By Khaama Press - Mon Jan 02 2017, 1:39 pm

Members of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces participated in air-to-ground integration training at a firing range here Dec. 27.

The day-long training exercise was part of the ANDSF winter campaign, which focuses on enabling Afghan forces to regenerate capability and capacity, and is supported by the NATO train, advise, and assist mission.

At a press briefing earlier this month, Gen. John Nicholson, NATO Resolute Support mission commander, emphasized that during the winter campaign, the regeneration effort focuses on Afghan special forces.

Coalition members advised special forces units from the Ktah Khas, Special Mission Wing, General Command of Police Special Units, Afghan Air Force, and Afghan National Army Special Operations Command during the live-fire exercise.

Together, the units employed aerial fire from Afghan MD-530 helicopters and ground fire from mortars to hone skills in close air support, targeting, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special operations.

Afghan MD-530F

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/us-awards-9-3-million-contract-in-support-of-afghan-air-force-02749
The United States has awarded a contract worth $9.3 million support of the Afghan Air Force, the US Department of Defense (DoD) said.

“AAI Corp., doing business as Textron Systems, Hunt Valley, Maryland, has been awarded a $9,352,070 predominantly firm-fixed-price contract for contractor logistics support and maintenance training services,” according to a press release by DoD.

The statement further adds “Contractor will provide these services for 24 aircraft to Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air in support of the Afghan Air Force.”

“Work will be performed at Kabul, Afghanistan; and Kandahar, Afghanistan, and is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2018,” the statement said, adding that “This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with four offers received.”

According to Defense Department “Fiscal 2017 Afghan Security Forces funds in the amount of $9,352,070 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-17-C-6218).”

This comes as the close allies of Afghanistan have stepped up rehabilitation process of the Afghan Air Force in a bid to boost the capabilities of the Afghan forces counter the threats posed by the terrorist networks and groups.

The Afghan Air Force received several fixed-wing aircraft as well as combat helicopters from the United States and India late in 2015 and earlier last year.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/14-militants-killed-in-helmand-airstrike-02753

At least 14 militants were killed in an airstrike conducted by the Afghan Air Force in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.

According to the local government officials, the airstrike was carried out in Nad-e-Ali district.

The provincial government office in a statement said the militants were targeted in an area located between Hazargan and Noor Mohammad Khan villages.

The statement further added that 4 militants were also wounded during the airstrike.

A rocket launcher, 1 PKM machine gun, 2 AK-47 rifles, and 6 Improvised Explosive Device were also destroyed in the airstrike, the statement added.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Helmand is among the volatile provinces in southern Afghanistan where the Taliban insurgents are actively operating in a number of its districts.

At least 15 Taliban including some of the senior commanders of the group were killed in a similar airstrike earlier this month.

The officials said the airstrike was carried out b the US forces targeting the militants in the restive Musa Qala district.

According to the officials, three Humvee vehicles, 1 Ford Ranger vehicle, 18 PK heavy machine guns, 3 mortars, 4 SPG-9 rocket launchers, and 25 AK-47 assault rifles were destroyed.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/11-afghan-tactical-air-coordinator-students-graduate-in-helmand-02760

A group of at least 11 Afghan Tactical Air Coordinator students have graduated in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan as efforts are underway to boost the capabilities of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

“The 215th Corps in Helmand Province graduated 11 Afghan Tactical Air Coordinator students on January 26,” the NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission said in a statement.

The statement further added “They are now trained and ready to advise ground commanders on attack air operations, assist in operational planning, and provide target data through Air to Ground Integration from a maneuvering ground force to the aircrews flying in support of missions, which will allow them to defeat the enemies of GIRoA with greater success.”

“These students are the most recent addition to the Corps’ and the ANA’s effort to enhance combined arms maneuver and integrate myriad lethal and nonlethal assets on tomorrow’s battlefield,” the statement said, adding that “The class began with 19 students, and after enduring 21 days of intensive study, 11 are now proud members of the ATAC community.”

This comes as the close allies of Afghanistan have stepped up rehabilitation process of the Afghan Air Force in a bid to boost the capabilities of the Afghan forces counter the threats posed by the terrorist networks and groups.

The Afghan Air Force received several fixed-wing aircraft as well as combat helicopters from the United States and India late in 2015 and earlier last year.

 

[Hindustani78]

 

[Hindustani78]

44 Afghan Air Force C-130H maintainers earn level 3 certification
By Khaama Press - Fri Feb 03 2017, 9:36 am
http://www.khaama.com/44-afghan-air-force-c-130h-maintainers-earn-level-3-certification-02795

KABUL, Afghanistan–As the train, advise and assist missions continue in Afghanistan, the Afghan Air Force is taking the lead from Coalition in supporting ground troops through air power.

Maintenance air advisors from Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air), 440th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, are working side-by-side with their AAF counterparts to develop a professional, capable and sustainable air force.

At the beginning of 2014, the AAF received C-130H models in which currently four crews are trained and in full mission capable status.

“Providing a platform like the C-130H to the AAF increases their capacity for airlift, casualty evacuation, and troop transport,” said Maj. Elbert Waters, 440th AEAS commander. “This capacity allows Afghanistan to combat their war on their own terms. This strategic advantage could never be realized without the hard work of these air advisors.”

For the past six months, maintenance air advisors have worked with their AAF counterparts becoming trained and qualified as level three maintainers. On Jan. 11, 2017, a group of 44 AAF C-130H maintainers were the first in-country trained to graduate and receive their level three certification.

The recent graduates were trained by Total Force Airmen from Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., that specialize in various maintenance Air Force Specialty Codes from; engine and propulsion, hydraulics, fuel, electrical and environmental, avionics, and crew chief specialist.

“The AAF is trained in accordance with their Career Field Education and Training Program and progress from zero level to three level, then from three to two, and then two to one,” explained Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Pratt, 440th AEAS C-130 maintenance team lead. “It varies on the amount of training time, but usually a one year progression in each step due to the language barrier and the use of interpreters.”

Both enlisted and officer Afghan maintainers who score higher than a 55 on an English examination have the opportunity to attend the Defense Language Institute in the United States. They then move forward to their respective career field specialty technical training in various parts of the U.S. This helps AAF maintenance crews get a better understanding of technical and mechanical terms that do not translate well with the use of interpreters, explained Pratt.

Currently, maintenance on the AAF C-130H is accomplished by contractors, while TAAC-Air advisors teach both in a classroom and hands-on setting.

“The maintenance that keeps the C-130s in the air is heavily dependent on (Contractor Logistic Support) at this time, and this will transition to being heavily AAF only in the next five to ten years,” said Waters. “The maintenance training occurring right now is building the force of qualified technicians that will take the lead as CLS decreases.”

Advisors continue to work toward an end state of AAF maintenance becoming self-sufficient. Plans are currently in the works for a train-the-trainer program, which will have qualified AAF maintainers teaching classes.

“Building a maintainer is a long process. The increased capabilities will not be seen or realized for several more years,” said Waters. “The AAF has had a jump in capabilities due to the lift missions that are being executed daily.”

Before any training takes place, advisors are taught to build a trusting relationship with their AAF counterparts. The group of Total Force Airmen worked to build a connection that breaks the communication barrier.

Although only few of the AAF maintainers speak English, crews can often be seen laughing and telling jokes with advisors during down time. However, when training takes place focus is then returned to learning their craft.

“These students are very motivated and have a strong desire to contribute to their country,” said Tech. Sgt. Toron Bordain, 440th AEAS C-130 maintenance advisor. “It was a great experience working with the AAF, and we were able to build strong and lasting bonds.”

The time for the Youngstown ARS and Dobbins ARB advisors is coming to an end, but new teams from the Air National Guard are now in place to ensure training continues.

Training of aircraft maintainers is just one facet that helps the AAF continue to grow and lead operations in their country.

In the short time the AAF has had the C-130H in inventory, the airframe has proven to be a major asset to the Afghan’s mission success. As of 2016, the AAF C-130H crews flew more than 1,065 sorties and transported more than 29,900 passengers and 880 metric tons of cargo, according to TAAC-Air operation advisors.

“We are making a difference every day, and the gains that have been made are historic,” said Waters. “The members of the AAF are people that take great risks for their country…they eagerly want to learn to make their force stronger.”

 

[Incog_nito]

Why not US transfer it's Humvees to Afghanistan and all of them?

 

[Hindustani78]

US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Gen. Joseph Votel told Congress on Thursday.

"Going forward, transitioning from Russian to US airframes will ensure Afghan forces have a more sustainable fleet that is interoperable with US forces and will enhance the Afghans’ ability to operate independently of coalition forces," Votel stated in written testimony.

Votel explained the current fleet was undersized and more expensive than the Afghan forces originally anticipated.

The US Defense Department has requested $814.5 million for fiscal year 2017 to replace the Afghan fleet, he added.

The plan includes 53 UH-60 helicopters, 30 armed MD-530F helicopters, six A-29 attack aircraft and five AC-208s.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/gen-votel-urg...udget-for-afghanistan-blackhawk-program-02364

The commander of the United States Central Command General Joseph L. Votel has requested the US Congress to approve the budget for the Afghan forces Blackhawk program.

In his statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Votel informed regarding the significant capability gaps in Afghan Air Force, saying “The current rotary wing fleet consisting primarily of the Russian-made Mi-17 is both undersized and proving to be more expensive and difficult to sustain than originally envisioned and is experiencing a higher than expected attrition rate.”

Gen. Votel further added “Going forward, transitioning from Russian to U.S. airframes will ensure Afghan forces have a more sustainable fleet that is interoperable with U.S. forces and will enhance the Afghans’ ability to operate independently of coalition forces. The U.S. government is considering a critical AAF initiative to replace the unsustainable Russian-manufactured aircraft fleet and make up for combat losses in Afghan transport helicopters by providing U.S. UH-60s.”

He said “The DoD-request of $814.5M for FY17 for the first year of our plan to recapitalize the Afghan fleet provides funding to procure 53 UH-60s, with refurbishment and modification of the first 18; 30 additional armed MD-530F helicopters; 6 additional A-29 attack aircraft; and five AC-208s. The requested FY2017 Afghan Security Forces Fund (ASFF) budget, including the 23 additional funds for the first year of this proposed aviation initiative, went to Congress on 10 Nov 2016.؛

“The FY17 proposal is pending approval and we appreciate your support in reaching resolution as soon as possible to mitigate the gaps in Afghan aerial fires and lift capabilities,” Gen. Votel said, adding that “Transition from Mi-17 to UH-60 airframes will eventually eliminate reliance on Russian sourced parts for maintenance requirements. With our support, we can expect the AAF will continue to build needed capability over the next few years and into the future.”

 

[Hindustani78]

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has called on time supplies to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as a key factor in defeating the enemies of the country.

http://www.khaama.com/on-time-supplies-played-key-role-in-defeating-enemies-ghani-02425
In telephone conversation with senior military commanders in Faryab and Kunar, President Ghani hailed the defense forces for their bravery in ending sieges created by the militants.

The senior commanders briefed President Ghani regarding the military operations and supplies delivered to the defense forces in the areas under their control.

The Afghan Air Force plays a key role in delivery of the supplies to the ground forces with the current fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The Air Force performs scores of sorties on daily basis with majority of them comprising cargo delivery, according to the Afghan Air Force.

The current fleet includes Mi-17 helicopters, C-130 aircraft and some other small aircraft although efforts are underway to further boost the capabilities of the air forces.

In the meantime, the commander of the United States Central Command General Joseph L. Votel has requested the US Congress to approve the budget for the Afghan forces Blackhawk program.

In his statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Votel informed regarding the significant capability gaps in Afghan Air Force, saying “The current rotary wing fleet consisting primarily of the Russian-made Mi-17 is both undersized and proving to be more expensive and difficult to sustain than originally envisioned and is experiencing a higher than expected attrition rate.”

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/4-new-light-attack-aircraft-arrives-in-for-the-afghan-air-force-02439

A batch of four new light attack A-29 Super Tucano aircraft arrived in Kabul on Monday which are expected to be used by the Afghan Air Force in the new fighting season.

The 438th Air Expeditionary Wing said the planes will be used by the Afghan Air Force for close-air attack, air interdiction, escort and armed reconnaissance.

The latest arrivals, which traveled from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., bring the AAF A-29 inventory from eight to 12 aircraft in country.

There are still seven A-29s assigned to Moody AFB where they are used for training pilots.

The A-29 is a multi-role, fixed-wing aircraft that will provide the Afghan air force with an indigenous air-to-ground capability and aerial reconnaissance capabilities to support the country’s counterinsurgency operations.

Eight Afghan Air Force pilots completed their training late last year and graduated from a program hosted by the 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base in United States.

The Afghan Air Force officials are saying the A-29s can carry out precise airstrike using laser technology and can four types of weapons, 250 kgs of bombs, guided and unguided rockets, and can fly with low speed and altitude to precisely find and attack the targets.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/india-mulls-to-repair-grounded-afghan-air-force-planes-with-50m-budget-02452

The Indian government is mulling to repair the grounded Afghan Air Force planes as efforts are underway to further boost the capabilities of the Afghan forces who are in critical need of air power.

A technical team was reportedly sent to Afghanistan last year to review the needs of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces with the officials saying the delegation also inspected the grounded planes, including 11 Mi-35 gunships and seven transport planes.

The Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Manpreet Vohra told Reuters “We have been looking at the scale of the challenge the ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces) faces, particularly in one segment, close air support.”


“We are trying to see how we can help. They have a large number of attack helicopters and transport aircraft grounded for want of spares, for expiry of certification,” he added.

A decision is expected to be taken in this regard within the next few months, the officials have said.

This comes as the United States also works on plans to replace the transport helicopters being used by the Afghan Air Force with the modern UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

In his statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Votel informed regarding the significant capability gaps in Afghan Air Force, saying “The current rotary wing fleet consisting primarily of the Russian-made Mi-17 is both undersized and proving to be more expensive and difficult to sustain than originally envisioned and is experiencing a higher than expected attrition rate.”

He said “The DoD-request of $814.5M for FY17 for the first year of our plan to recapitalize the Afghan fleet provides funding to procure 53 UH-60s, with refurbishment and modification of the first 18; 30 additional armed MD-530F helicopters; 6 additional A-29 attack aircraft; and five AC-208s. The requested FY2017 Afghan Security Forces Fund (ASFF) budget, including the 23 additional funds for the first year of this proposed aviation initiative, went to Congress on 10 Nov 2016.”

 

[João Paulo Moralez]

Hello Friends, I'm looking for pictures and informations about the operation on Super Tucano in Afghanistan. Does anyone can help me? I'm a Brazilian journalist specialized in aviation and I'm writing about it.

 

[Yaseen1]

strong afghan airforce will be threat to
Pakistan

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/us-approves-76-7-million-contract-in-support-of-afghan-air-force-02837
By Khaama Press - Fri May 26 2017, 4:02 pm
The United States has approved a new contract worth $76.7 million in support of the Afghan Air Force as efforts are underway to boost the capabilities of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. (Photo: US Defense Forces in Middle East)

A statement by the Department of Defense said “MD Helicopters Inc., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $76,700,001 firm-fixed-price foreign military sales (Afghanistan) contract for contractor logistics support for the MD 530F aircraft fleet in support of the Afghanistan Air Force.”

The statement further added “One bid was solicited and one bid received. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona; and Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2018.”

“Fiscal 2017 other funds in the amount of $37,583,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-17-C-0038),” the statement added.

This comes as efforts are underway by the Afghan government and the international allies of Afghanistan to increase the air power of the Afghan security forces.

The commander of the United States Central Command General Joseph L. Votel requested the US Congress to approve the budget for the Afghan forces Blackhawk program.

In his statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier in March this year, Gen. Votel informed regarding the significant capability gaps in Afghan Air Force, saying “Going forward, transitioning from Russian to U.S. airframes will ensure Afghan forces have a more sustainable fleet that is interoperable with U.S. forces and will enhance the Afghans’ ability to operate independently of coalition forces. The U.S. government is considering a critical AAF initiative to replace the unsustainable Russian-manufactured aircraft fleet and make up for combat losses in Afghan transport helicopters by providing U.S. UH-60s.”

He said “The DoD-request of $814.5M for FY17 for the first year of our plan to recapitalize the Afghan fleet provides funding to procure 53 UH-60s, with refurbishment and modification of the first 18; 30 additional armed MD-530F helicopters; 6 additional A-29 attack aircraft; and five AC-208s. The requested FY2017 Afghan Security Forces Fund (ASFF) budget, including the 23 additional funds for the first year of this proposed aviation initiative, went to Congress on 10 Nov 2016.”

Afghan air force airmen board a C-208B at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport, Nov. 1, 2011. Two operational decrees implementing procedures for the high-priority missions of evacuation of wounded personnel (CASEVAC) and the dignified, culturally-appropriate transfer of fallen members of Afghan National Security Forces, were signed at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, on Jan. 23, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Williams)

Two C-130H models were delivered to the AAF from the United States, in order to continue the growth and increase the sustainability and autonomy of the AAF, as well as expand airlift capabilities.

An Afghan Air Force C-130 taxis onto the ramp under celebratory streams of water during a ceremony Oct. 9, 2013 at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan. This plane is one of two newly delivered C-130H models to the AAF. With the addition of the C-130 to the inventory, the AAF now has six different aircraft, which offer a wide variety of capabilities. The aircraft provides medium airlift capabilities, allowing for better range as well as increased passenger and cargo movement. The C-130H can cross the entirety of Afghanistan without refueling and can carry 10 times the amount of cargo of a Cessna 208, another aircraft in the AAF inventory. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Anastasia Wasem)