The Raytheon Company has announced a new $13.5 million task order modification on its Warfighter Field Operations Customer Support (FOCUS) contract, which will add more Afghan Air Force pilots to the “New Dawn” training program, based in the United Arab Emirates. The program trains AAF officers up to a level-equivalent certified commercial pilot. Upon graduation, the pilots return to Afghanistan for service. A total of 102 AAF pilots have received English language instruction through the program, as well as advanced math, problem solving skills, and advanced instrument flight training as of Nov. 10. The program expansion comes as the US is transitioning its airpower footprint in Afghanistan to a support and enabling role, and the Afghans are increasing their participation in the training pipeline for AAF officers and fliers—taking over from US advisors in some cases.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
