Getting Afghan Air Into the Fight

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

USAF Brig. Gen. Walter Givhan, who has headed the Combined Air Power Transition Force in Afghanistan, told Pentagon reporters last week that his entity’s short-term goal has been to get Afghan airmen engaged in combat operations, primarily handling some mobility missions, using older Russian fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. However, he noted that the fledgling Afghan air corps is poised to achieve initial operational capability with its Mi-35 attack helicopter force, making them available to engage in air strikes. Although, Givhan said that initially they would not engage in “full-fledged, close air support type roles.” Continue

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org