Armée Afghane/Afghan National Army(ANA)

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US to deliver 5 PC-12 surveillance aircraft to Afghan special forces



The United States will deliver five more Pilatus PC-12 surveillance aircraft to Afghan National Army (ANA) special forces.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) officials said the planes will be delivered in the near future and based on a contract concluded in 2012.

Gen. Dawlat Waziri said the Afghan special forces have already receivved 13 Pilatus PC-12 aircraft and are in service with the 777 unit of the Afghan army special forces.

This comes as the US Air Forces Central Command announced Wednesday that the first six Armed MD-530s arrived in Afghanistan on Tuesday night.

Afghan Air Force is also expecting to receive 20 A-29 Super Tucano light air support aircraft which will help replace the Mi-35 attack helicopter that reaches the end of its service life in January 2016.

According to reports, the first of 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft 26 are scheduled to arrive early next year, in preparation for the Afghanistan pilot and maintenance training mission.

A-29 pilots and maintainers are currently in the US and have been training since February.

https://www.khaama.com

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438th Air Expeditionary Wing à Kaboul

A contractor installs the .50 Cal on the armed MD-530. This aircraft will be used to defend Afghanistan and assist ground forces in defeating
anti-GiROA forces.

PHOTOS:

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Afghan Air Force receives six MD 530F helicopters

23rd March 2015 - 15:00 by the Shephard News Team

The Afghan Air Force in Kabul has received six MD 530F Cayuse Warrior scout attack helicopters from MD Helicopters, the company announced on 20 March. The helicopters were delivered within six months of MD Helicopters receiving the order in October 2014.

The Cayuse Warrior was developed in response to the drawdown of coalition forces in the region. MD Helicopters developed a purpose-built, close attack helicopter to meet the capability requirements identified by the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan for light scout attack helicopters.

The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior gunships will increase the fire capabilities of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces for the 2015 fighting season and beyond. Another six MD 530F scout attack helicopters will be active in Afghanistan in the summer of 2015. Under the current contract, the air force's fleet will have 17 MD 530F Cayuse Warriors by early 2016.

The company has also received a five-month contract modification for logistical support of the 12 additional MD 530F helicopters.

The award is valued at around $31.6 million and will serve as a bridge contract for the expanded MD 530F helicopter fleet. It will also support an aggressive increase in operational tempo. The contract is effective from the first new MD 530F delivered on 17 March, and it has an estimated completion date of 30 August.

The logistics contract covers continuous maintenance and support services, including an initial spares support package for the 12 new MD 530F helicopters ordered in October 2014. It is a modification to the original contract awarded to MD Helicopters in 2011.

http://www.shephardmedia.com

New Afghan' Air Force MD-530F light armed scout Helos take off from KBL ...FN Herstal's M3P .50 pods

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La première fille-pilote de la force aérienne de l'Afghanistan - le capitaine Niloofar Rahmani

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Afghanistan receives full complement of C-130 airlifters

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
22 June 2015


The Afghan Air Force (AAF) took delivery of its fourth and final Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules transport aircraft during a ceremony at Hamid Karzai International Airport (IAP) in Kabul on 20 June.

The arrival of the former US Air Force aircraft from Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas marks the end of deliveries, which began in mid-2013. These aircraft will now be used by the Afghan National Security Forces for internal cargo and troop transportation.

The United States' efforts in reconstituting the AAF's fixed-wing air mobility capability have been somewhat problematic. Originally, the plan was to replace the Soviet-era Antonov An-32 'Cline' transports that dated back to before the Taliban government with refurbished Alenia Aermacchi G222/C-27A airframes. That programme, however, was axed in early 2014 amid much acrimony between the Italian manufacturer and the US Department of Defense (DoD) over the suitability of the twin-engined turboprops to perform the mission in the 'hot and high' conditions of Afghanistan.

While the DoD said that the aircraft were not up to the task, Alenia maintained that the issue was with poor on-site support facilities and a lack of literacy among the AAF pilots and maintainers that were beyond its control. Either way, more than USD600 million had been spent on the project before it was cancelled with 16 G222/C-27A aircraft being abandoned at Hamid Karzai IAP.

The announcement that Afghanistan was to get the four-engined C-130 instead was meant to herald a fresh new start for the effort to equip the AAF with a fixed-wing air mobility capability. However, in July 2014 the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction recommended that deliveries be halted at two aircraft, as these were being underutilised and there were unresolved problems with support and training. Concerns regarding the financial and technological challenge of maintaining the C-130s have also prompted the Afghan government to request India covers the cost of upgrades to six of its ageing An-32 transport aircraft in Ukraine.

The arrival of the fourth and final C-130 into Hamid Karzai IAP would appear to suggest that such concerns have now been addressed. Even so, NATO sources have suggested that because of the C-130's size and complexity it could take nearly three years before Afghan pilots and crew are ready to operate the aircraft without support from international advisors.

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Afghanistan to equip MD 530F helos with rockets

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
13 July 2015

The Afghan Air Force (AAF) is to beef up the armament of its MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters with air-to-surface rockets, the US Department of Defense (DoD) disclosed on 13 July.




he seven-tube M260 launcher for the 70mm (2.75 inch) rockets is to be integrated onto the 'Little Bird'-derivative helicopters under a USD13.2 million contract awarded by the US Army. In total, 19 helicopters will have the rocket system added to the Mission Equipment Package (MEP) that already features twin FN Herstal 12.7 mm (.50 cal) Heavy Machine Gun Pods (HMPs).

According to the DoD, the integration, which will include installation of fixed forward weapon sights, will be complete by 12 July 2016.

The announcement comes three months after the AAF rolled out the MD 530F equipped with the MEP. The roll-out ceremony, which took place at Kabul International Airport (IAP) on 9 April, saw one of the first six armed helicopters delivered perform live firings of its twin HMPs as a capability demonstration ahead of the country's 2015 'fighting season'.

The AAF is set to receive 20 MD 530F helicopters to augment machine gun-equipped Mil Mi-17 'Hip' and machine gun- and rocket-equipped Mi-35 'Hind' helicopters, as well as the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack turboprop aircraft that is due to arrive towards the end of 2015.

The contract announcement for 19 upgraded MEPs suggests that the one helicopter that was destroyed by an improved explosive device in 2013 will not be replaced in the near-term. As well as the MEP-equipped MD 530F helicopters being flown out of Kabul IAP, the AAF has also been fielding five unarmed training helicopters out of Shindand Air Base in Herat Province since 2011.




While the integration of rocket pods to the MD 530F's arsenal will certainly enhance its firepower, the real benefit will come from the increased stand-off range at which the helicopter will be able to engage its targets. The FN Herstal 12.7 mm HMP has an effective range of about 1,900 m, which makes the helicopter vulnerable to hostile ground fire, especially when overflying the target on a strafing run. With the 70 mm rockets, the pilot can engage a target from more than four times this distance (8,000 m), greatly enhancing his or her chances of survival.

As well as the HMPs and M260 rocket launchers carried on external weapons planks, the MEP also includes the Rhode & Schwarz M3AR tactical radio communications system, the Robertson Fuel System, and Kinetic Defense ballistic armour panels for the two-person crew. To accommodate the extra weight of this equipment, the helicopters have been upgraded with high-capacity landing gear that allows take-off and landing with a maximum weight of 1,700 kg.

http://www.janes.com/article/52958/afghanistan-to-equip-md-530f-helos-with-rockets

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Afghan 'Hip' transport helo crashed

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
05 August 2015


A Mil Mi-17 'Hip' transport helicopter of the Afghan Air Force (AAF) crashed in the southeastern province of Zabul on 6 August.

The Russian-built helicopter came down in a mountainous region at about 1100 h local time. The cause of the incident has not yet been officially disclosed, and neither has the number and status of those on board.

However, the Pajhwok Afghan News agency has reported that five crew members and 12 Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) personnel were killed.

IHS Jane's World Air Forces notes that prior to the loss of this aircraft the AAF fielded 62 Mi-17 helicopters to serve as the primary rotary-winged logistics platform for the ANSF, the first of which arrived in 2012.

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MD Helicopters' Cayuse Warrior enters combat in Afghanistan
By: JAMES DREWWASHINGTON DC Source: Flightglobal.com 10 hours ago
The Afghan Air Force’s MD-530F Cayuse Warrior scout-attack helicopter has been used in combat for the first time, helping security forces clear insurgents from three rural districts south of Jalalabad.

Armed with 50-calibre machine guns and ballistic armour protection, the helicopters operated alongside the Afghan Air Force’s Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters based at Kabul as part of Operation Iron Triangle on 11 August.

“This operation marks the first successful employment of armed MD-530 helicopters in support of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as they continue clearing the districts of Khogyani, Sherzad and Hisarak of insurgents,” says Train Advise Assist Command-East, a multinational military unit supporting NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanista

Cayuse Warrior is a weaponised derivative of MD Helicopters’ high-speed, high-altitude commercial 530F, which the Afghan military has been operating since 2011 for basic rotary wing training. The gunship is known locally as “Jengi,” which translates to “Warrior,” according to the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing in Kabul, which shared photos of the operation on its social media account.

“As a model 530F gunship with this particular mission configuration, in service with this particular defence force, yes, Operation Iron Triangle marks the first combat engagements for these aircraft,” an MD Helicopter spokeswoman said in a statement to Flightglobal. “However, aircraft with this specific type certification (369FF) have actively supported combat operations in a number of different environments in service with foreign militaries around the globe.”

Under a $36 million contract awarded by the US Army last September, MD Helicopters was to boost the Afghan’s 530F inventory from five to 17 aircraft, and a $44 million contract modification awarded a month later would upgrade the entire fleet to the Cayuse Warrior configuration.

As a model 530F gunship with this particular mission configuration, in service with this particular defense force, yes, Operation Iron Triangle marks the first combat engagements for these aircraft. However aircraft with this specific type certification (369FF) have actively supported combat operations in a number of different environments in service with foreign militaries around the globe.”

MD Helicopters says the first helicopters were delivered from the production plant in Mesa, Arizona, to Afghanistan in March. The remaining five Afghan training helicopters will be converted Mesa in the coming months for delivery in early 2016.

Last month, company received a further $13 million foreign military sales contract from Afghanistan to integrate M260 rocket launchers and fixed-forward weapon sights into the Cayuse Warrior mission package. MD Helicopters says of the first 12 aircraft deliveries, one remains in the United States to “accelerate development of the enhanced mission equipment package kits”.

“These kits will include a fixed forward sighting system designed to improve the operational accuracy of both the HMPs and the new 70mm (2.75in) rockets,” says the spokeswoman. “The modification of the existing fleet of MD-530F Cayuse Warrior gunships will take place in-country beginning in early 2016.”

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/md-helicopters39-cayuse-warrior-enters-combat-in-415604/

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Afghan National Army & Police worked together during combat operations in eastern Afghanistan.
Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police forces again demonstrated their ability to work together as a national security force this time during combat operations in eastern Afghanistan. Together, the ANA and ANP, along with other forces to include the Afghan National Civil Order Police, Afghan Uniformed Police, Afghan Local Police and air support from the Afghan Air Force conducted a clearing operation designed to disrupt networks of Taliban and other enemies of Afghanistan in Khogyani, Sherzad and Hisarak districts.

n addition to clearing the districts of enemy forces, the ANDSF goal is to provide continued security for the area, which in turn will allow for better governance to the people.

The operation, termed “Iron Triangle,” demonstrated the capability of the Afghan forces when conducting offensive cross-pillar operations, to find and clear areas known to be occupied by Taliban forces.

“There’s been great cooperation between the army and the police. They’ve come together for decisions about what to do, and then they employ the right tool to have the best possible effect, whether it’s an army tool or a police tool,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, Resolute Support’s deputy chief of staff for operations. “This is probably the best we’ve seen this level of cooperation of any operation to date this year.”

Afghan Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior leadership planned and executed the operation together, with the coalition in the back seat acting in a train, advise and assist role.

“The advisers play a critical role in the success in this operation, but it’s not to make things happen, what we want to do is ask leading questions, help the Afghans think about the best way to synchronize their efforts to achieve the best possible effect,” said Buchanan.

The units participating in the operation along with Afghan National Police were the 111th Capital Division, the 201st Corps, and the 203rd Corps.

“They were very successful. This is the first Corps-level operation for the 201st Corps this year. The Corps headquarters established a command and control echelon here [ANA Camp Khugyani],” said Col. J.B. Vowell, the deputy commander of Train, Advise, Assist Command – East, which provided the main advising effort for the operation. They integrated combined arms during the operation ... artillery, air engineers ... they’ve found and cleared over 150 IEDs and been able to maintain their time tables.”

n addition to the large number of IEDs cleared throughout the operation, other successes included the reconstruction of damaged roads, as well as the successful use of artillery. Overall, more than 50 kilometers of road and towns were cleared of insurgent activity from Khogyani to Sherzad into Hisarak.
While the corps had initially planned for the operation to take nearly three weeks, the quick movements of the ANDSF allowed them to reach the Hisarak district center more than three days earlier than expected.

“The plan is once the area of Hisarak is cleared we’ll organize another tribal leader meeting, and talk about the peace for the future in the area,” said Maj. Gen. Mohammad Zaman Waziri, the 201st Corps commander. “In the last 14 years, there have been no operations in this area ... this is the first time for joint operations here. Our main objective is Hisarak, it is a strategic district. The enemies in the area come from Pakistan into Hisarak, from here they deploy into Kabul.”

Therefore, the clearing of this area will not only provide security for the local population in the districts, but also additional security for the capital city of Kabul. With the recent up-tick of attacks in the city, this operation plays a major strategic role in securing the city and preventing high-profile attacks.

While the majority of the focus was in eastern Nangarhar, ANDSF did not ignore the emergence of Daesh and Taliban clashes in the west.

“There’s been a lot of Taliban on Daesh fighting particularly in Nangarhar, and that played a role in Operation Iron Triangle,” said Buchanan. “The security forces could not ignore that fighting for fear of leaving the backdoor open while they focused in the west.”
Near the close of the operation, Gen. M. Ayoub Salangi, the deputy minister for security for the Ministry of Interior, and Lt. Gen. Qadim Shah, the chief of General Staff for the ANA, traveled with Resolute Support’s deputy chief of staff for operations, Buchanan, as well as the deputy chief of staff for intelligence, Maj. Gen. Mark Quantock, to the different corps participating in the operation. During their battlefield circulation, they were able to meet with the different corps leadership to receive operational updates and assess the accomplishments made thus far in the operation.

At each location, both Salangi and Qadim Shah praised the efforts of their troops and acknowledged the sacrifices of those lost or wounded in battle. Salangi, when speaking with the leadership and elders at the 111th Division, commended the men for their dedication, stating, “Your beards have turned gray serving your country.”

Qadim Shah noted their key to success was coordination, command and control and rapid response, but also encouraged them to continue their operations, and ensure a security perimeter would be established around the districts. Both leaders made it clear that while the initial goal is security for the area, the overall goal is to establish good governance for the people.

The ANA chief of General Staff also directed each unit to develop an accurate after action report, capturing their successes, but more importantly, to look at where there were gaps and how they can improve in future operations.


http://www.armyrecognition.com/armies_in_the_world_analysis_focus/afghan_national_army_police_worked_together_during_combat_operations_in_eastern_afghanistan_12008156.html

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Navistar wins a $368mn FMS from Afghanistan for 2,293 Medium Tactical Vehicles
The US-based company Navistar Defense LLC was awarded a $368,932,767 foreign military sales contract for 2,293 medium tactical vehicles for Afghanistan. Work will be performed in West Point, Mississippi; Ooltewah, Tennessee; Marion, Wisconsin; Springfield, Ohio; and Mercer, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2019, the US DoD announced yesterday August 31.






Navistar Defense unveiled the high-mobility medium tactical vehicle (MTV) at the Modern Day Marine Exposition in 2010. The MTV is based on the International 7000-MV platform. The MTV incorporates the DXM independent suspension and can also accommodate a variety of survivability and armoring solutions derived from the International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle





The MTV also incorporates automatic traction control, anti-lock brakes, self-diagnostics, advanced electronics systems optional central tire inflation system (CTIS). It is offered with two powertrain options – utilizing the MaxxForce D 9.3L and 13L powertrains. The vehicle is capable of climbing a 60 percent gradient and maneuvering 40 percent side slopes.

According to Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense, since receiving the first contract in 2005 Navistar Defense has delivered more than 21,000 7000-MV vehicle platforms in 13 different variants. The current variant adds survivability and independent suspension technologies meeting the requirements of U.S. and allied nations operating in Afghanistan.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/navistar_wins_a_$368mn_fms_from_afghanistan_for_2293_medium_tactical_vehicles_20109151.html

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uper Tucano deliveries to Afghanistan delayed until early 2016

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
22 September 2015



The Afghan Air Force (AAF) is to receive its Embraer-Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft slightly later than anticipated, with the first units now set to arrive in-country in early 2016 rather than later this year as had been previously announced.

The delay was not explained by the US Air Force's (USAF's) 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, which disclosed the new schedule, the unit only saying that training of AAF personnel was continuing out of Moody Air Force Base (AFB) in Georgia.

The AAF is slated to receive 20 Super Tucanos (with an option for a further 20) to replace the Mil Mi-35 'Hind' as the service's primary close-air-support platform. Once in service, they will augment the machine gun and rocket-equipped Mi-17 'Hip' and MD Helicopters MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters in the ground attack and fire support role.

Powered by a single 1,600 SHP Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68/3 turboprop engine, the Super Tucano carries two 12.7 mm machine guns (200 rounds each) in the wings, and can be configured with additional underwing weaponry such as 20 mm cannon pods, additional 12.7 mm machine guns, rockets pods, precision-guided munitions, and/or 'dumb' bombs of up to 1,500 kg. It has a seven-hour endurance, and can operate from semi-prepared air fields.
http://www.janes.com/article/54750/super-tucano-deliveries-to-afghanistan-delayed-until-early-2016

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Textron Systems to deliver 55 more Mobile Strike Force vehicles to the Afghan National Army

Textron Marine & Land Systems has been awarded a $56,176,864 foreign military sales contract for 55 Mobile Strike Force vehicles with related fielding hardware and field service representative services for system deprocessing. The 55 MSF vehicles are to be delivered to Afghanistan's National Army. Work will be performed in Slidell, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of April 28, 2016.




The Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV) is a modified variant of the M1117 Armoured Security Vehicle (ASV). More than 600 MSFVs have been ordered up to now for the ANA.

The MSFV is produced in three variants: the APV fitted with the standard .50 caliber machine-gun turret, the APC with objective gunner protective kit (OGPK) and a raised hull ambulance variant. The personnel carrier versions can carry up to 7 soldiers, including crew. The OGPK variant can accomodate up to 10 personnel.

The MSFV is equipped with an enhanced survivability package which provide higher protectivity to the crew. The vehicle features a better ballistic protection level than a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. Textron's MSFV is powered by a Cummins diesel engine.

The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are also expected to receive 2,293 Medium Tactical Vehicles (MTVs) under a contract by the US Army worth $369 million.

The contract has been awarded to the Navistar International Corporation, which said production will commence immediately, with deliveries starting in January 2016 and concluding in 2019.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/textron_systems_to_deliver_55_more_mobile_strike_force_vehicles_to_the_afghan_national_army_22807151.html

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Air Platforms
Afghan MD 530F lost to accident, air force criticises helicopter's performance

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
27 September 2015


The Afghan Air Force (AAF) lost one of its newly delivered MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior ('Jengi' [Warrior]) light attack platforms in a landing accident near Kabul, The New York Times (NYT) disclosed on 26 September.



he scout and close air support helicopter was recently destroyed after a tailwind tipped it over the edge of a mountain that it had landed on, the NYT quoted a senior AAF officer as saying. The two crew members - a US instructor and Afghan trainee - reportedly managed to exit the aircraft before it rolled down the mountain.

Afghanistan has received 18 MD 530F helicopters since deliveries began in December 2011.



http://www.janes.com/article/54845/afghan-md-530f-lost-to-accident-air-force-criticises-helicopter-s-performance

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Afghan armed forces backed by U.S. airstrike to push out Taliban fighters from the city of Kunduz.

Backed by at least one American airstrike, Afghan forces gathered Tuesday, September 29, 2015, to begin a push to clear Taliban fighters who seized much of the northern city of Kunduz in a surprise assault on Monday. The airstrike was conducted early Tuesday "in order to eliminate a threat to the force," Col. Brian Tribus, a coalition spokesman, said in a statement. (SourceStar and Stripes)






Hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed Kunduz on Monday in an attack that sent government police and soldiers reeling and stunned observers. After a day of heavy fighting, insurgents reportedly controlled most of the city, the first time since their regime was toppled in 2001 that the Taliban have controlled a major population center.

Afghan officials pushed back at reports that their forces had completely abandoned the city by Monday night.

"We still have many areas in our control, and we will soon solve this problem," Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said Tuesday. "We have enough force in Kunduz right now to push back the Taliban."

Afghan army forces, including top corps commanders, units from nearby Balkh province as well as Kabul, and commando units, have massed at the airport in preparation for a counterattack on the city, he said.

An Interior Ministry official trapped in the occupied areas said in a social media post that he had seen government forces enter the city.

A clinic run by the French charity Doctors Without Borders received more than 100 casualties on Monday, and a government hospital in the city also reported being inundated by more than 100 wounded people.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/armies_in_the_world_analysis_focus/afghan_armed_forces_backed_by_u.s._airstrike_to_push_out_taliban_fighters_from_the_city_of_kunduz_12909154.html

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MDHI rejects Afghan criticism of MD 530F helo

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
29 September 2015



MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has rejected recent criticism of its MD 530F Cayuse Warrior ('Jengi' [Warrior]) light attack platform by a senior Afghan Air Force (AAF) official, saying that the helicopter not only meets the service's requirements but actually exceeds them.

In a statement issued to IHS Jane's on 30 September, a company spokesperson said that the accusations levelled against the MD 530F in a New York Times article that quoted Colonel Qalandar Shah Qalandari did not accurately reflect the reality of the helicopter's performance and that his assertions that the platform is not suitable for the AAF's needs are well wide of the mark.

"The customer specified certain performance requirements for the Cayuse Warrior, including the effective operating altitude in summertime temperatures and the effective range. The MD 530F actually exceeds these requirements, delivering operational capabilities at altitudes well in excess of the requirement, as well as an effective range, with reserves, of close to 300 n miles," the spokesperson said.

Expanding on the colonel's comments regarding the MD 530F's perceived lack of range and unsuitable performance in Afghanistan's 'hot and high' environment, MDHI countered that its light attack helicopter "can be flown at lighter weights and hotter temperatures to any one of the forward bases in the operational theatre, and be quickly configured to meet the specific mission requirements". Indeed, this appears to be what has happened during the type's first operational deployment outside its Kabul area of responsibility (AOR), where a number of helicopters were flown down to Helmand province on 27 September with larger Mil Mi-17 'Hip' transport helicopters ferrying munitions and support equipment.

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Afghan forces claim control of Kunduz By Dylan Vosman - Oct 1, 2015





Afghan officials say they have regained control of key areas of the northern city of Kunduz from the Taliban. An operation launched overnight saw forces recapture government landmarks and inflict heavy casualties on the militants, officials said. But the Taliban has insisted it still controls large parts of the city. The city’s capture on Monday by the militant group was a huge blow to President Ashraf Ghani, coming on the first anniversary of his taking power. If confirmed this represents a crucial victory for the Afghan army, its biggest test since the withdrawal of coalition forces back in December last year. And it would be a dramatic turn-around. On Wednesday it looked as if retaking Kunduz would involve a tough battle. Eyewitnesses reported Taliban fighters mining roads and digging in to strategic positions ready to defend their prize. Yet the Afghan government is today claiming that its forces swept the Taliban out of Kunduz in a couple of hours. It is jubilant at what will be seen as a crucial victory in the battle against the Taliban insurgency. “This is a huge blow for the Taliban”, Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson for the interior minister said. “It proves Afghan special forces are elite fighters who can win battles.” The government assault began overnight with fighters infiltrating the city and launching a series of simultaneous attacks from different positions. Kunduz police chief spokesman Sayed Sarwar Hussaini told BBC Afghan on Thursday that the military had retaken the governor’s office, the police chief’s office and the intelligence agency building, adding: “Taliban bodies are lying around.” Interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi tweeted that the city had been re-taken. He later told the AP that 200 Taliban fighters were killed in the operation and said an operation to “clear the city” of the last pockets of resistance was ongoing and could take some days. But the Taliban denied what it called “enemy claims regarding the Kunduz situation”. “Mujahideen [Taliban fighters] are resisting in the city’s security circle,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Reuters, adding that the militant group still controlled most of the city and surrounding districts.

Read more at: http://defence-blog.com/news/afghan-forces-claim-control-of-kunduz.html

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Textron to provide advanced training to Afghan National Army for its Mobile Strike Force Vehicles

Textron Systems Marine & Land Systems, a Textron Inc. business, announced on Oct. 5 it has been awarded a $17.4 million Interim Contractor Training Support (ICTS) contract from the United States (U.S.) Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to provide next-level training to the Afghan National Army for its four-wheeled Mobile Strike Force Vehicles (MSFVs). The contract has a 12 month period of performance.




21 MSFVs, based on Textron Systems’ COMMANDO Select armored vehicle line, have been delivered to the Afghan National Army (ANA) since 2012, with over 550 of these vehicles actively engaged in security operations in strategic locations across the country.

The ICTS contract calls for the Textron Systems in-country team to provide on-the-job training (OJT) and mentorship, enabling ANA personnel to perform detailed maintenance and repair actions to sustain its MSFV inventory. In addition to OJT vehicle repair and maintenance training, Textron Systems will continue mentoring and training the ANA on inventory and supply system activities, as well as developing and delivering program instruction manuals.

“The goal of this training program is to equip the Afghan National Army with the required skills to be fully self-sufficient in all aspects of maintaining and sustaining its MSFV fleet over the long haul,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Tom Walmsley. “This training supports the United States’ strategic objective of transitioning the security mission in Afghanistan to that nation’s military.”

A Textron Systems team has supported MSFVs in-country program efforts for over four years. A dedicated team has trained over 2,200 ANA soldiers on operation and field-level maintenance in classroom environments, along with extensive hands-on experience. Textron Systems has also deployed multiple Field Service Representative (FSR) teams with ANA Kandaks (battalions) in the field to provide additional sustainment and maintenance support.

Rigorously tested and proven in the toughest environments, the COMMANDO family of vehicles – including Elite, Select and Advanced lines – offers a range of protection options, unmatched on-road/off-road mobility and firepower. As an end-to-end solutions provider, Textron Systems also offers customers vehicle fielding, training, maintenance and logistics support services throughout each vehicle’s life cycle. Textron Systems has decades of keeping assets operational and personnel expertly trained and over five million hours working side-by-side with our troops in combat.



http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/textron_to_provide_advanced_training_to_afghan_national_army_for_its_mobile_strike_force_vehicles_20810152.html

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Russia will sign contract on Mi-35 deliveries to Afghanistan in October
By Dylan Vosman - Oct 9, 2015



Russia will sign contract on Mi-35 deliveries to Afghanistan in October. The Afghan government intends to buy Mi-35 attack helicopters from Russia in a bid to boost the capabilities of the Afghan Air Force. The Afghan Air Force received the first six Armed MD-530s last month with the NATO Train, Assist, Advise Command-Air and 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, saying that the armed MD-530s will increase the Afghan Air Force aerial fires capability. Armed Mi-17s and MD-530s give the Afghan Air Force six times the number of armed aircraft for Fighting Season 2015 as compared to last fighting season, which only employed five Mi-35s.

Read more at: http://defence-blog.com/news/russia-will-sign-contract-on-mi-35-deliveries-to-afghanistan-in-october.html

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Cayuse Warriors come to the fore with Afghan Air Force

Franz J Marty, Kabul - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
27 October 2015




The MD Helicopters MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopter has supplanted the Mil Mi-35 helicopter gunship as the Afghan Air Force's (AAF's) primary close air support platform.

At the beginning of this fighting season the AAF had five operational Mi-35s, but now only one is still flying, with the others supplanted by MD 530Fs.

According to US Air Force colonel Thomas A Geiser, deputy commander of the Train, Advise, Assist Command - Air (TAAC-Air) within Operation 'Resolute Support', the decrease in operational Mi-35s has been deliberately planned as the entire fleet reached its service life limit of about 28 years.

Citation :

L’Inde va céder 4 hélicoptères d’attaque à l’Afghanistan


Posté dans Afghanistan, Forces aériennes par Laurent Lagneau Le 07-11-2015



Malgré les dizaines de milliards de dollars dépensés par l’Otan et plus particulièrement par les États-Unis, la forces armées afghanes ne disposent pas d’une aviation digne de ce nom, ce qui leur complique évidemment la tâche contre les taliban et leurs alliés dans la mesure où elles disposent de capacités très limitées d’appui aérien pour leurs troupes terrestres.

Pour autant, les forces afghanes attendent la fourniture d’une vingtaine d’avions A-29 Super Tucano, commandés par le Pentagone auprès du tandem Embraer-Sierra Nevada Corporation. Seulement, la livraison de ces appareils a une nouvelle fois été retardée et elle ne pourra se faire qu’au début de l’année 2016.

Ces A-29 Super Tucano, conçus pour l’attaque au sol, doivent en principe remplacer les hélicoptères d’attaque Mil Mi-24 Hind fournis par la République tchèque en 2008. Mais ces derniers, peu nombreux, sont rarement opérationnels.

Aussi, Kaboul cherche des solutions. Et l’une d’elles passe par l’Inde. En effet, le conseiller à la défense nationale afghan, Mohammad Hanif, va se rendre à New Delhi pour signer un accord portant sur le transfert de 4 hélicoptères Mil Mi-25 de conception russe, actuellement en dotation au sein des forces armées indiennes.

Pour rappel, le Mil Mi-25 est la version « export » du Mil Mi-24D. Il s’agit à la fois d’un hélicoptère d’attaque et de manoeuvre (il peut transporter 8 soldats). Les 4 exemplaires cédés par l’Inde compléteront ainsi les capacités de la force aérienne afghane, qui dispose aussi d’hélicoptères Hughes MD 500 et Mil Mi 17, ces derniers pouvant assurer des missions d’appui aérien.

Quoi qu’il en soit, aussi modeste soit-elle, cette demande faite par Kaboul à New Delhi risque de froisser Islamabad… Et elle marque un tournant dans la politique du gouvernement afghan qui, jusque-là, avait refusé les propositions indiennes d’assistance militaire pour améliorer, justement, ses relations avec son homologue pakistanais.

Il y a quelques mois, le président afghan, Ashraf Ghani, et le Premier ministre pakistanais, Nawaz Sharif, s’étaient engagés à renforcer les relations entre les deux pays, en particulier dans les domaines de la sécurité et du commerce.

Les rapports entre l’Afghanistan et le Pakistan sont souvent tendus, les deux s’accusant mutuellement de favoriser les groupes terroristes actifs dans la région.

Enfin, les autorités afghanes sont actuellement sous pression, avec plusieurs districts provinciaux tombés récemment sous la coupe des taliban, notamment dans le sud et le nord du pays.

http://www.opex360.com/2015/11/07/linde-va-ceder-4-helicopteres-dattaque-lafghanistan/

Citation :

Afghanistan to get ScanEagle UASs

Marina Malenic, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
30 November 2015



The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Boeing's Insitu subsidiary a potential USD71 million contract to produce eight ScanEagle unmanned aerial systems (UASs) for Afghanistan, the DoD announced on 25 November.




The three-year deal covers 65 aerial vehicles, spares, support, and in-country training, according to the DoD announcement. Delivery is expected in June 2018.

The ScanEagle air vehicle is used for reconnaissance and features a predominantly cylindrical fuselage and shoulder-mounted sweptback wings. The system has been equipped with a range of sensor payloads.

ANALYSIS
This will not be the first time the ScanEagle is used in Afghanistan. In November 2012, Insitu received a one-year USD12 million DoD contract for land-based operations that formed part of Operation 'Enduring Freedom', so Afghan forces will already be familiar with the capability.

Citation :

First Afghan Super Tucano pilots declared 'combat ready'

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

22 December 2015

   
An A-29 Super Tucano on a training sortie in the skies over Georgia in the United States. The Afghan Air Force will begin fielding the
aircraft operationally in early 2016. Source: 438th Air Expeditionary Wing


The US Air Force (USAF) has graduated the first class of Afghan pilots to be assigned to the Embraer-Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, the Air Combat Command (ACC) announced on 18 December.

Eight Afghan Air Force (AAF) pilots were passed out and declared to be ready for combat operations during the ceremony, which was held at the home station of the 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base (AFB) in Georgia. These crews have completed just under a year of training, and will be redeployed to Afghanistan with their new aircraft in January 2016. The pilots are the first of 30 who will be trained by the 81st Fighter Squadron over the next three years.

Although training has reportedly progressed well, the programme suffered a setback earlier this month when two of the Afghan pilots absconded from Moody AFB on 11 December. They have yet to be found.

The AAF is scheduled to receive 20 Super Tucanos (with an option for a further 20) to replace the service's current Mil Mi-35 'Hind' helicopters that are due to be retired as the Super Tucanos enter service in January 2016 (although in October it was announced that Afghanistan is looking to procure new Mi-35s from Russia).

Powered by a single 1,600 SHP Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68/3 turboprop engine, the Super Tucano carries two 12.7 mm machine guns (200 rounds each) in the wings, and can be configured with additional underwing weaponry such as 20 mm cannon pods, additional 12.7 mm machine guns, rockets pods, precision-guided munitions, and/or 'dumb' bombs of up to 1,500 kg. It has a seven-hour endurance, and can operate from semi-prepared air fields.

Once in service, the Super Tucano will augment the machine gun and rocket-equipped Mi-17 'Hip' MD Helicopters MD 530F Cayuse Warrior, and possibly new Mi-35 helicopters in the ground attack and fire- support role.
 

Citation :

Afghanistan receives first Indian-donated Mi-25 helo

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

23 December 2015


India has gifted four Mi-25 helicopters to Afghanistan, the first of which was recently delivered. Source: Indian Air Force  


Afghanistan has received the first of four Mil Mi-25 'Hind' assault helicopters being gifted by India, it was disclosed on 22 December.

Once deliveries are complete, the former Indian Air Force platforms will be operated by the Afghan Air Force (AAF) in place of five Mi-35 'Hind' helicopters (of which only one is still serviceable) being withdrawn from service in January 2016. The Afghan government has also requested from Russia the sale of a further undisclosed number (described by Russian state media as 'a few') Mi-35 platforms.

As of October, the AAF has a total of 109 aircraft: six Cessna T-182 trainers; four Lockheed Martin C-130 airlifters; 25 Cessna C-208 Grand Caravans (one of which crashed on 12 October); 56 Mil Mi-17 transport and assault helicopters; five Mi-35s (one serviceable); 10 MDHI MD 530F training and light attack helicopters; and three Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Cheetal (Alouette) light utility helicopters (also gifted by India). The first of 20 Embraer-Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft are due to arrive in-country in January.

In addition to the AAF's inventory, the Special Mission Wing of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) plans to field 30 Mi-17s and 18 Pilatus PC-12 surveillance aircraft.

While the AAF is now getting the numbers of aircraft it needs to support combat operations, some officers have expressed disquiet over some of the platforms' suitability for the Afghan environment. In September a highly experienced AAF pilot, Colonel Qalandar Shah Qalandari, was reported in international media as saying that the MD 530F scout helicopter is "a total mess ... It's unsafe to fly. The engine is too weak. The tail rotor is defective. And it's not armoured ... Even the guns are no good".

The helicopter manufacturer MDHI and weapons supplier FN Herstal both vigorously defended the platform in a statement to IHS Jane's , saying that it exceeded requirements.
 

RIP

Citation :

Trois morts dans un accident d'hélicoptère en Afghanistan


Reuters 03/01/2016

Trois membres d'équipage ont trouvé la mort et un quatrième a été blessé dimanche dans l'accident d'un hélicoptère M1-17 de l'armée afghane survenu au sud de Kaboul, dans la province de Logar, en raison d'une panne, a fait savoir le ministère de la Défense.

L'armée de l'air afghane dispose d'une cinquantaine d'appareils de ce modèle, fabriqué en Russie, et 36 autres équipent les forces spéciales.

Le Pentagone s'est inquiété de leur emploi intensif en appui des opérations au sol contre les talibans, qui multiplient les actes de guérilla depuis le retrait des forces étrangères, fin 2014.

http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/962937/trois-morts-dans-un-accident-dhelicoptere-en-afghanistan.html