Faiz Mohd Ramaki, an Afghan translator who has worked with coalition forces for five years, will be the first cadet from Afghanistan to undergo pilot training in the US under the US Air Force’s Aviation Leadership Program. SSgt. Julie Weckerlein reports that Ramaki expressed surprise at his selection, saying “It’s still like a dream to me; I can not believe it.” However, US officers he has worked with believe the Afghan National Army Air Corps cadet has the motivation and capability to succeed.
Pentagon Task Force, FAA to Test Counter-Drone Laser
March 7, 2026
The Pentagon’s counter-drone task force announced it would conduct a high-energy laser test with the Federal Aviation Administration less than a month after the use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border prompted the FAA to shut down the airspace over El Paso, Texas.