It’s official: the Afghan National Army Air Corps is now called the Afghan National Army Air Force. “This is another step forward in response to Afghanistan’s air power growth,” stated officials with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, the USAF organization involved in training and mentoring the fledgling Afghan air arm, on Monday. They continued, “The ANAAF will play an increasing role in Afghanistan’s defense, and will require independent authority to ensure the best use of scarce national aviation resources.” Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued an order creating the air force. (Kabul report by Capt. Robert Leese)
A B-52H bomber launched a simulated AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response hypersonic missile at a target some 600 miles away during the ongoing Northern Edge exercise in Alaska, the Air Force said. The simulated shot was a success and demonstrated Airborne Battle Management System techniques to facilitate the kill chain for…