July 16, 2007:
The U.S. is delivering six AH-1 helicopter gunships to the Afghan Air
Force this Summer, the first of 186 aircraft and helicopters that are being
given to the Afghans over the next five years. Currently, the Afghans have only
about twenty operational aircraft (three L-39 trainers, two AN-26 and two AN-32
transports, five Mi-24 and six Mi-8 helicopters). Most of the American aircraft
will be models being retired from American service. These aircraft and
helicopters are in good shape, and will be refurbished before delivery. Most
will be helicopters and transports. There will be no jet fighters. The U.S. is
also providing personnel and money to train Afghan air force personnel (a force
of 4,500-5,000).
