The WaPo reports on an entirely sensible and feasible plan to field an Afghan Air Force.
“Our goal is by 2016 to have an air corps that will be capable of doing those operations and the things that it needs to do to meet the security requirements of this country,” Brig. Gen. Walter Givhan told Pentagon reporters recently in a teleconference from Kabul, the Afghan capital. Even then, the Afghans will not be able to perform functions other air forces do, he said, adding, “The long-term goal beyond that envisions a continued partnership.”
Read the whole thing– it’s a modest, realistic plan. We want them to be able to fly Mi-17s, Mi-35s, and turboprop cargo planes. Those are the essential things they need, and will have the capability to employ and maintain. I saw no mention of high-performance fighters. Why? Because we will fill in that blank for them.
Right now, this is the right plan to fit the circumstances. I’m not an airman, but I think I know a workable, reasonable structure when I see one. Tell me if I’m wrong.
And NO, I don’t have anything to do with this. Just my opinion.
Agreed — also need to integrate the new CAS light fighter the Air Force is looking into, whenever our disaster of an aquisitions infrastructure unfucks themselves.
I think a few prop planes would also be in order. Close air support, I believe is better served.