It’s official: the Afghan National Army Air Corps is now called the Afghan National Army Air Force. “This is another step forward in response to Afghanistan’s air power growth,” stated officials with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, the USAF organization involved in training and mentoring the fledgling Afghan air arm, on Monday. They continued, “The ANAAF will play an increasing role in Afghanistan’s defense, and will require independent authority to ensure the best use of scarce national aviation resources.” Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued an order creating the air force. (Kabul report by Capt. Robert Leese)
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…