Afghanistan Air Force - Updates and Discussions.

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/refurbishment...he-afghan-troops-has-commenced-pentagon-02998
The United States Department of Defense has said the refurbishment work of 53 UH-60 or Blackhawk helicopters for the Afghan security forces has commenced.

According to a new Pentagon report on Afghanistan “Under the ANDSF Road Map, the SMW will also expand to provide additional helicopter crews, consolidate the PC-12 aircraft into a new fixed-wing kandak, and create an aviation support kandak.”

The report further added that Afghan Air Force will have more than double the size of its fleet by 2023 as a result.

“This reporting period, construction began on the first two of six additional A-29s for the AAF, refurbishment commenced on the first 53 of a planned 159 UH-60As, and funding was allocated for AC-208 light-attack aircraft and 30 additional MD-530 helicopters,” the report said.

It also added that the pilot, maintainer, and support personnel changes will be made within the authorized tashkil level of 195,000 for the ANA.

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.”

 

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According to Sputnik News

Modernization of four of the 63 previously delivered Mi-17V5 helicopters to Afghanistan

 

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http://www.khaama.com/afghan-air-fo...naissance-capability-for-the-first-time-03395

The Afghan Air Force for the time will get organic intelligence reconnaissance capability for the first time as efforts are underway to expand the capabilities of the Afghan forces.

The NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan in its latest report has said the airpower of the AAF includes the Mi-17 (for air transport of troops and cargo, medical evacuations, and attack), the A-29 (a strike aircraft), the MD-530 (a small attack helicopter), the C-130 (airlift), and the C-208 (airlift with airdrop capability).

The report further adds that AAF is expanding and will include new capabilities such as the AC-208, an aircraft which, for the first time, will provide the AAF an organic intelligence surveillance reconnaissance capability. Also, they will be empowered with 159 new UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and additional A-29s and MD-530s.

In the meantime, the alliance informs regarding the unprecedented progress the Afghan Air Force has made recently.

“Just as one example, last year, the Afghans led, planned, and executed a medical evacuation in which they managed to transport a soldier from the battlefield to a medical facility within one hour, the golden hour, saving his life,” explained U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Terisa Filner, TAAC-Air medical superintendent.

This is just one example of how the Afghans have excelled in routine medical evacuations. In 2016 they successfully transported about 10,000 wounded soldiers for medical care. This translates into saving many lives, she added.

Another success highlighted by these NCOs was the first-ever operation to resupply forward deployed Afghan soldiers earlier this year, in which the Afghans led and executed an airdrop of 650 pounds of critical supplies in support of ground forces.

According to Resolute Support mission, a mission critical component of these successes are the air-to-ground coordination team and the Fly Away Security team. FAST provides security to the aircraft and the crew.

“The air-to-ground coordination team owns the battlefield. They are responsible to validate strikes and avoid civilian casualties. They cipher altitudes, set priorities of fires, set structure levels to destroy, suppress or neutralize the enemy, make safety calls, and constantly make life or death decisions with the ground commander,” explained Chief Warrant Officer 4 Davis R. Kalcevic, 438th Air Expeditionary Attack Squadron, – Train, Advise, Assist MD 530, instructor pilot.

Air power is a key capability that insurgents do not have, which places extra importance on the AAF mission. To put their successes into perspective, it takes about five to 10 years to build an Afghan pilot during peacetime. The AAF, with the help of coalition forces, is professionalizing these pilots and experts in about 18 months without sacrificing quality.

To save time, Afghan candidates are recruited directly from officer school. They undergo an aggressive process, conducting part-task training, which means concentrating efforts on specific areas they will be performing.

“We are building an enterprise. It is not only about the aircraft, it’s about maneuvering, maintenance, weather planning and sustainment. They have an authorized force of 8,017 members, and in 2017 we are on pace to meet or exceed the missions from 2016,” explained Brig. Gen. Phillip A. Stewart, TACC-Air commander, during the mission brief.

The new generation of Afghan leaders are striving for continued success, according to TAAC-Air leadership.

“The next generations of Afghan senior leaders will definitely help the junior enlisted and young NCOs to succeed and find their way … the new generation of Afghan airman and soldiers will thrive. There is no doubt,” Thetford said.

He was referring to current initiatives by Resolute Support leadership to bring new generations of leaders and position them in key areas of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

 

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http://www.khaama.com/727-million-c...f-afghan-air-force-special-mission-wing-03364
The United States has awarded a contract worth around $727 million in support of the Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing as efforts are underway to boost the capabilities of the Afghan national defense and security forces.

“Leidos Innovation Corp., Gaithersburg, Maryland, was awarded a $727,689,796 firm-fixed-price contract to provide support for the Afghan Air Force (AAF) and Special Mission Wing (SMW) helicopter/fixed-wing fleets,” the Department of Defense said in a statement.

The statement further added that aids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Work will be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2020. Fiscal 2017 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $126,689,243 were obligated at the time of the award.

This comes as the Afghan government and the country’s international allies including US and NATO have stepped up efforts to bolster the capabilities of the Afghan force and Air Force.

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 and 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.”

He also added that 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.

 

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http://www.khaama.com/pentagon-approves-new-contract-for-afghan-air-force-worth-69-3-million-03365

The United States Department of Defense or Pentagon on Friday informed regarding the award of a new contract for the Afghan Air Force having a value of more than 69 million dollars.

“Orbital ATK, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $69,368,834 firm-fixed-price undefinitized contractual action for the Afghanistan Air Force AC-208 armed intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft requirement,” Pentagon said in a notification of award.

It further added that the work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2018.

“This contract is a pseudo foreign military sales requirement. Fiscal Afghan Security Forces funds in the amount of $33,990,728 are being obligated at time of award. The 645th Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-17-C-4048),” Pentagon added.

The AC-208 Combat Caravan offers a robust day/night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solution now available with precision counterinsurgency, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities (ISR), according to te contracting firm.


It is easily convertible from “Clean Wing” ISR to armed operation with Hellfire Missiles.

This comes as the United States last month awarded a contract worth around $727 million in support of the Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing as efforts are underway to boost the capabilities of the Afghan national defense and security forces.

“Leidos Innovation Corp., Gaithersburg, Maryland, was awarded a $727,689,796 firm-fixed-price contract to provide support for the Afghan Air Force (AAF) and Special Mission Wing (SMW) helicopter/fixed-wing fleets,” the Department of Defense said in a statement.

The statement further added that aids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Work will be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2020. Fiscal 2017 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $126,689,243 were obligated at the time of the award.

 

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The Afghan Air Force carried out a series of deadly airstrikes on Taliban positions in eastern Nuristan province of Afghanistan, leaving over fifty militants dead, the local officials said Saturday.

The provincial police chief of Nuristan General Mohiuddin Sarwari confirmed that the airstrikes were carried out on Friday in the vicinity of Barg-e-Matal district.

Gen. Mohiuddin further added that the information received by Nuristan police indicates at least fifty five Taliban insurgents were killed.

He said two senior leaders of the Taliban group identified as Ismail and Fazal Karim were also among those killed.

 

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“The first of 4 UH-60’s has completed its final technical evaluations and will be delivered to the Afghan Air Force in September.”

This comes as the Afghan government and the country’s international allies including US and NATO have stepped up efforts to bolster the capabilities of the Afghan force and Air Force.

 

[Hindustani78]

Afghanistan Civil Aviation to get new radar system worth €24 million
By Khaama Press - Sun Aug 06 2017, 4:00 pm

http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-civil-aviation-to-get-new-radar-system-worth-e24-million-03295

The Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority informed regarding the installation of a new radar system in a bid to increase the air control capacity of the civil aviation.

The General Director of the Civil Aviation Authority Mahmood Shah Habibi informed regarding the new plans during a press conference in Kabul today.

He said the new system will be installed with a total cost of 24 million Euros, calling it one of the most modern systems being used in the world.

Habibi further added that the new system will enable the Civil Aviation Authority to control the air in a better way.

According to Habibi, the installation of the new system will pave the way for further investments in the aviation sector and establishment of the new airlines, and reduce the cost by boosting the capacity of the civil aviation authority.

He said the Afghan government has stepped up to increase of the civil aviation authority in control the civil airspace after they took over the responsibility from the NATO-led coalition forces in 2015.

The General Director of the Civil Aviation Authority also added that the annual maintenance cost of the new radar system will be around 9 million Euros.

A ceremony was also organized in ARG Presidential Palace for the signing of the contract for the installation and maintenance of the new system.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/first-batch-of-black-hawks-for-afghan-air-force-arrive-in-kandahar-03474

The first batch of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for the Afghan Air Force arrived in southern Kandahar province on Monday.

The NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan informed regarding the arrival of the first Black Hawks late on Monday.

In a short statement posted online, the alliance said “The first Afghan Air Force UH-60s arrived today at Kandahar Air Field. The AAF is transitioning from the Mi-17 to the UH-60 as part of recapitalization efforts to modernize the helicopter fleet.”

The statement further added “Recapitalization will provide the means to further develop professional, capable and sustainable Afghan Air Power.”

The alliance had earlier said “The first of 4 UH-60’s has completed its final technical evaluations and will be delivered to the Afghan Air Force in September.”

The Afghan government and the country’s international allies including US and NATO have stepped up efforts to bolster the capabilities of the Afghan force and Air Force.

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 and 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.”

He also added that 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.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/afghan-air-fo...n-the-presence-of-top-defense-officials-03516

A top US army general conducted the maiden flight of the newly-supplied UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in the presence of the senior defense officials. (Photos: NATO Resolute Support)

The maiden flight was conducted by the US army Major General Neil Thurgood.

“U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Neil Thurgood flew a UH-60 helicopter, which will soon join the Afghan Air Force fleet as part of the AAF’s modernization program,” the NATO-led Resolute Support mission said in a statement.

The statement further added “During the trip to Kandahar Airfield, the Assistant Minister of Defense for Strategy and Plans Tamim Asey and the 205th Corps Commander Afg. Maj. Gen. Iman Nazar Behbod joined Thurgood for a flight in the newly arrived Black Hawk.”

The first batch of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for the Afghan Air Force arrived in southern Kandahar province on Monday.

The Afghan government and the country’s international allies including US and NATO have stepped up efforts to bolster the capabilities of the Afghan force and Air Force.

The introduction of UH-60 assault helicopter is included in the plans for the expansion of the Afghan Air Force, the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission has said.

“The world is taking notice of Afghan Air Power and its success against the enemy. The Afghan Air Force will more than double their fleet of aircraft over the next seven years,” the Resolute Support mission said last week.

The statement further adds “Along with the new arrival of UH-60 Blackhawks this week, plans include the introduction of AC-208 light attack and surveillance aircraft, A-29 attack aircraft and additional UH-60 assault and MD-530 attack helicopters to the force.”

 

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http://www.khaama.com/preparations-underway-to-start-training-of-afghan-black-hawk-pilots-03526

Preparations are underway to start the training of the Afghan Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. (Photo NATO Resolute Support Mission)


The NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan in a Twitter post said the Assistant Minister of Defense Tamim Asey, a top General of 205th Corps of the Afghan Army Gen. Behbood, and Combined Security Transition Commands Gen. Neil Thurgood visited the future training center of the Black Hawk helicopters in Kandahar province.

The top security and defense officials arrived in Kandahar province recently to take delivery of the first batch of the Black Hawks which arrived in Kandahar last week.

The training of the Afghan pilots for the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters is expected to kick off in coming October.

A spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission Capt. William Salvin told The Military Times in July that the Black Hawk training aircraft are expected to arrive in Afghanistan sometime shortly after October 1, and training will start soon after that.

The Afghan Air Force is expecting to receive around 159 Black Hawk helicopters in coming years as part of the ongoing efforts by the international allies of the country for the modernization of the Afghan Air Force in a bid to boost the capabilities of the national defense and security forces.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.khaama.com/first-batch-o...-black-hawk-helicopters-training-in-usa-03694

The first batch of the Afghan Air Force pilots completed their trainings for the newly-deployed modern UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

The Afghan government says the first batch of four pilots have completed their training in the United States of America.

The officials are saying that the newly-trained pilots are expected to start services with the Afghan Air Force in the near future.

The Afghan pilots received their certificates during a ceremony organized in the United States last week, the Afghan Embassy in Washington said.

An Afghan envoy in Washington Abdul Hadi Barekzai has said the training for the second batch of the Afghan Air Force Black Hawk pilots will kick off in the near future.

The Afghan Air Force took formal delivery of the first batch of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the NATO forces earlier this month.

The Afghan Air Force is expecting to receive around 159 Black Hawk helicopters in coming years as part of the ongoing efforts by the international allies of the country for the modernization of the Afghan Air Force in a bid to boost the capabilities of the national defense and security forces.

 

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http://www.khaama.com/embraer-to-build-6-new-light-attack-aircraft-for-the-afghan-air-force-03720

The Embraer Defense & Security on Wednesday announced that the company in partnership with the Sierra Nevada Corporation will build six new light attack aircraft of A-29 Super Tucano type for the Afghan Air Force.

“Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and its partner Embraer Defense & Security have received orders from the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) A-29 Afghanistan Program for six more A-29 Super Tucano aircraft,” the company said in a statement.

The statement further added that the A-29 is used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance, and other A-29 Afghanistan Program operations. Production of these six new aircraft is to start immediately in Jacksonville, Florida and brings to 26 the total number of aircraft provided to the Program.

“We believe this decision demonstrates that the A-29 Super Tucano is the best aircraft for close air support operations, as well as the most proven, reliable and cost-effective solution for counterinsurgency and irregular warfare scenarios,” said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “We are honored to continue to support the U.S. Government in this critical mission.”

The A-29 has been active in Afghanistan since early 2016.

According to Embraer, the A-29s ability to operate in rugged terrain, extreme climates, and austere locations with a small operational and maintenance footprint has resulted in successful operations from at least four bases in-country. SNC, together with Embraer, developed and delivered the light attack capability from program start to combat capability in just three years, including all supporting equipment and training systems.

 

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http://www.khaama.com/leidos-confirms-receiving-728-contract-in-support-of-afghan-air-force-03731

A leading science and technology company, Leodos, has confirmed the company has received a contract in support of the Afghan Air Force worth around $728 million.

“Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500® science and technology company, was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Army to support the Afghanistan Air Force (AAF) and Special Mission Wing (SMW) helicopter and fixed-wing fleets,” the company said in a statement.

The statement further added that work will be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2020 at a total potential contract value up to $728 million.

“Through the Afghanistan Contractor Logistics Support contract, Leidos will deliver all flight operations, maintenance, and logistics, and will provide mentoring for the AAF and SMW to operate and maintain aircraft. Leidos has applied its logistics and operations expertise in Afghanistan to support the AAF and SMW, while also providing aviation services to the customer,” the statement added.

“This award reflects our commitment to the customer’s mission,” said Leidos Defense & Intelligence President Tim Reardon. “We look forward to continuing to provide superior flight operations, maintenance, logistics, and mentoring expertise.”

Leidos is a FORTUNE 500® science and technology solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets.

This comes as the Afghan government with the support of its international allies and NATO has stepped up efforts to boost the capabilities of Afghan national defense and security forces, particularly the Afghan Air Force.

The Embraer Defense & Security on Wednesday announced that the company in partnership with the Sierra Nevada Corporation will build six new light attack aircraft of A-29 Super Tucano type for the Afghan Air Force.

“Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and its partner Embraer Defense & Security have received orders from the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) A-29 Afghanistan Program for six more A-29 Super Tucano aircraft,” the company said in a statement.

The statement further added that the A-29 is used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance, and other A-29 Afghanistan Program operations. Production of these six new aircraft is to start immediately in Jacksonville, Florida and brings to 26 the total number of aircraft provided to the Program.

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