Airmen of the Afghan National Army Air Force, along with their coalition air advisors, on July 1 conducted an operational sling-load mission with one of their Mi-17 transport helicopters. It was another small milestone in the evolution of the young air arm into an operationally capable and self-sustaining force. The helicopter took off from Kabul airport slinging a 3,200-pound crate that it carried to Orgun-e in the Paktika province while flying at 12,500 feet in altitude. Coalition advisors said the Mi-17 “handled the load with very few problems.” This capability will allow the Afghans to move heavy and oversized equipment or deliver gear in place without landing zones, they said. (Kabul report by Capt. Rob Leese)
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.