Afghan and Czech Pilots Bring The Aircraft Back After Almost 10
Years
After an absence of nearly a decade, the Afghan Mi-35 is again
flying the skies of Afghanistan, thanks to pilots from the Afghan
National Army Air Corps and the Czech Republic, military officials
here said.
On May 27, Afghan Mi-35 attack helicopters fired 12.7 mm rounds
and 57 mm rockets near Bagram Air Base. Each partnered Afghan and
Czech Republic crew fired 200 rounds of ball ammunition and 16
rockets while practicing gunnery on the East River Range Complex.
The practice session was the culmination of more than a year's work
to rebuild the Mi-35 program, which gives the Afghan National Army
dedicated, armed aircraft for the first time in eight years.
The seven-hour training was supported by personnel and equipment
from the ANAAC, the Czech Republic Operational Mentor and Liaison
Team, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan mentors
and personnel from Task Force Thunder at Bagram Air Base. After the
completion of the live-fire training, the lead pilot from the Czech
team, Major Juracka, commented, "The Afghan shooting was
perfect."
The Czech team began ground training and limited flight training
for Afghan Mi-35 crewmembers last summer. In January, Afghan Mi-35
training increased greatly with the arrival of six refurbished
helicopters. Since then, the Czech team has completed assessments
on nine pilots and added a more aggressive training program.
To date, the Afghan pilots have received training on pre-mission
planning, contact maneuvers, emergency procedures, navigation, and
presidential escort operations. After the completion of their
gunnery tables, the Afghan pilots will receive training on
pre-planned and close air support combat missions.
Future Mi-35 initiatives will put even more emphasis on
independent Afghan training operations. The Afghan air corps is
building its own arming points and is working on an initiative to
complete all its Mi-35 live-fire training at Afghan facilities,
while the Kabul Military Training Center is developing standardized
Mi-35 live-fire training procedures. The air corps also is
researching live-fire training locations throughout Afghanistan to
better integrate the Mi-35 with the army. All of the efforts are
aimed at decreasing the time for an Mi-35 training flight from
seven to three hours, effectively doubling the amount of live-fire
sorties that can be accomplished in a day.
The Mi-35's combat radius permits it to conduct combat
operations anywhere in the country. The aircraft's unique design
allows it to be used in attack, air assault or medical evacuation
roles. It can be configured with a 12.7 mm Gatling type machine
gun, 57 mm rocket pods, and the AT-6 Spiral Anti-tank guided
missile. The helicopters typically fly with 1,470 rounds of ball
ammunition, 128 rockets and two anti-tank missiles.
"The new capability is good for the Afghan National Army and for
the country of Afghanistan," Afghan Maj. Gen. Dawran, the air corps
commander, said.