U.S. Central Command Photo Gallery

KABUL, Afghanistan (June 22, 2017) — Gen. John Nicholson, Resolute Support commander, visits Train, Advise, Assist Command – Air to assess the impact and progress of the AAF in the war against terrorism. Minister of Defense Maj. Gen. Tariq Shah Bahrami and the Minister of Interior Taj Muhammad Jahid were also present during the briefing and tour of the AAF aircrafts. The Afghan Airforce is set to expand, helping to provide the foundation and an enduring mechanism for superior power projection for the Afghan government. Their airpower includes the Mi-17 (for air transport of troops and cargo, medical evacuations, and attack), the A-29 (a strike aircraft), the MD-530 (a small attack helicopter), the C-130 (airlift), and the C-208 (airlift with airdrop capability), explained German Lt. Col. Nikolaus Nanasi, MoD Air Advisor. The AAF is projected to expand and will include new capabilities such as the AC-208, an aircraft which, for the first time, will provide the AAF an organic intelligence surveillance reconnaissance asset. Also, they will be empowered with 159 new UH-60 Blackhawks and additional A-29s and MD-530s.