The Afghan Air Force’s Kabul Air Wing can now support a steady state of operations with its Mi-35 attack helicopters, announced NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan officials. Earlier this month, the final two Mi-35 copilots with the wing’s 377th Rotary Wing Squadron completed training, meaning the squadron now has six combat-ready crews, states the NATC-A’s Nov. 6 release. “Six crews allow for a steady ‘alert’ crew and also take into account necessary maintenance and crew rest, while still allowing for constant use of the Mi-35 helicopters,” said Capt. Martin Douda, a NATO instructor pilot from the Czech Republic. Each Mi-35 crew comprises an aircraft commander and copilot. The AAF currently has 19 Mi-35 pilots, 12 of whom are already combat-ready, states the release. The NATO instructors intend to bring the remaining seven to that level as well. The AAF uses its Mi-35s for close air support and aerial escort. (Kabul report by Capt. Anastasia Wasem)
In the wake of a major Chinese military shakeup, the head of U.S. Space Command warned of China’s “breathtakingly fast” advances in space during visits to Japan and South Korea. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting’s trip to the Indo-Pacific is his first overseas visit since taking command of SPACECOM in January.