The fledgling Afghan air force has reached 1,000 flight hours with its C-27A transport fleet, according to a senior USAF official helping to train the Afghans. The milestone was achieved during a C-27 mission bringing Mi-17 helicopter cargo to Kandahar and taking out wounded Afghan military personnel. This historic mission on Aug. 29 coincided with certification of the first Afghan C-27 aircrew to fly in day/night all weather conditions without US air advisor support. Earlier this month, the Afghan air arm took delivery of its sixth C-27A. It plans to operate a fleet of 20 refurbished C-27 airframes, along with various helicopters and other fixed-wing platforms. The first C-27 arrived last December. USAF advisors operating with the Combined Air Power Transition Force continue to develop the Afghan C-27 pilot cadre.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.