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.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.