The Afghan Air Force’s Kabul Air Wing can now support a steady state of operations with its Mi-35 attack helicopters, announced NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan officials. Earlier this month, the final two Mi-35 copilots with the wing’s 377th Rotary Wing Squadron completed training, meaning the squadron now has six combat-ready crews, states the NATC-A’s Nov. 6 release. “Six crews allow for a steady ‘alert’ crew and also take into account necessary maintenance and crew rest, while still allowing for constant use of the Mi-35 helicopters,” said Capt. Martin Douda, a NATO instructor pilot from the Czech Republic. Each Mi-35 crew comprises an aircraft commander and copilot. The AAF currently has 19 Mi-35 pilots, 12 of whom are already combat-ready, states the release. The NATO instructors intend to bring the remaining seven to that level as well. The AAF uses its Mi-35s for close air support and aerial escort. (Kabul report by Capt. Anastasia Wasem)
Air Superiority Is More Than Denial
March 9, 2026
Operations Midnight Hammer and Absolute Resolve demonstrated the remarkable flexibility and overwhelming force possible when nations command control of the skies. It’s an object lesson to all who, having watched the carnage over more than four years of Russia’s war on Ukraine, some of whom have come to the erroneous belief that air superiority is no longer necessary…