The Afghan Air Force - We'll Be Back

Squadron Leader Matt Radnall (RAF Regiment), COL Robert Algermissen (CDR, Bagram AF) with the Chief of Staff of the Afghan Air Force and his Ground Forces commander.

The Afghan Air Force had fallen on hard times. When the Soviets left, the Afghans still had a respectable force. The continual fighting wore them down, and by the time the US Air Force came looking for targets in 2001, they were down to a handful of operational aircraft.


A Ground Attack craft...grounded forever.


This AN-12 won't be transporting anyone anymore.


Not much to salvage here.

The Afghans will have an Air Force again. The very nature of the terrain of the country dictates the Afghan government have such. Shindand, Bagram, Khandahar will all someday be bases for the Afghan Air Force. They will be back.