The Afghan Air Force flew its first Night Vision Goggle (NVG) resupply mission using UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopter in the month of March.
The Department of Defense stated in its report ‘Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan’ that the Afghan Air Force UH-60 pilots receive basic UH-60 flying skills training through a the six-week Aircraft Qualification Training (AQT).
The report further added that upon graduation, pilots can attend Mission Qualification Training (MQT), a 10-week contractor-led, academic and flight instruction course that graduates pilots as mission-certified “co-pilots.”
Furthermore, Pentagon said through accrual of flying time and certification, squadron leadership can certify pilots as aircraft commanders. The AAF has 53 qualified UH-60 pilots.
Meanwhile, Pentagon said the Afghan Air Force currently has the capability to support MD-530 operations (rearm and refuel only) at forward-deployed locations for short intervals without CLS presence.
According to Pentagon, the Afghan Air Force will continue to require CLS and supporting training contracts to maintain combat capability in the mid-term and long-term.
In the meantime, Pentagon said the Afghan Air Force plans to build MD-530 NVG combat capability by integrating NVG curriculum into advanced training courses to support flying point-to-point navigation sorties.
