Aerospace
How many US aircraft are still operating in Afghanistan? what the Taliban is now doing with them.
As the Taliban celebrates one year of independence from the United States in Afghanistan, they put on a large parade and displayed an army unit as well as artillery, weaponry, and a helicopter.
America invested a significant amount of resources and military personnel in the war against the Taliban and the establishment of a stable government, but those efforts were unsuccessful, and after Biden was elected president, the decision was made to withdraw American soldiers from Afghanistan.
The 30th of August 2021 will be remembered around the world as the day the United States officially concluded its longest war 20 years in Afghanistan.
According to a report from Washington, DC, the United States has spent close to $2 trillion, or $300 million per day for 20 years.
How much the United States has spent in Afghanistan over the last 20 years?
Around 800,000 Americans served in Afghanistan; 2,461 of them lost their lives there, and 13 died during evacuations. However, the analysis shows that many have experienced issues. In regard to Afghanistan, the United States did the best it could have done.
Taliban forces held a military parade in Kabul using captured American-made armored vehicles and Russian helicopters in a display that showed their ongoing transformation from an insurgent force to a regular standing army https://t.co/v4q9fSm5YL pic.twitter.com/SW6RzjoHMu
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 14, 2021
Between August 2005 and August 2021, the US provided the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces with equipment for a total of $18.6 billion. After the US pullout was finished on August 30, 2021, $7.12 billion in equipment remained in Afghanistan. It comprised military vehicles, weaponry, air-to-ground bombs, aircraft, communications technology, and other supplies.
Since the majority of the defense products produced by the United States are extremely nimble and deadly to adversaries, nobody likes to mess with them. However, the United States took a long time to produce such weapons. and that is all that is now left
How many US weapons and aircraft are still in Afghanistan?
A total of 73 aircraft, nearly 100 vehicles, and other equipment were abandoned by US troops as they pulled out ahead of the 31 August deadline. There are 43 MD 530 helicopters and 33 Ac208 planes and 33 UH 60 Black Hawk helicopters and 23 A29 light attack aircraft. and 32 MI 17 Helicopters and 3 C130 cargo aircraft left Abdon in Afghanistan.
US approves sale of an F16 fighter jet to Pakistan(Opens in a new browser tab)
Remember those two Cessna 208 Grand Caravns #Taliban captured in #Shindand air base. Here they are flying over #Bagram air base duiring Taliban's parade today. pic.twitter.com/n3a47e54YF
— Babak Taghvaee – The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) August 31, 2022
These airplanes are now being abandoned due to improper maintenance and unflyable components. The majority of the avionics components were removed and the vital ones were destroyed by the US army during the evacuation of the US troops. A few more aircraft have suffered damage to their tires and cockpit equipment, rendering them useless to Taliban or Afghan forces.
The majority of the Afghan pilots who were abducted by the Taliban and forced to operate aircraft following the US withdrawal were experts in the Mi 17 helicopter. Taliban depicted the independence day parade on September 30, 2021, during which US military vehicles traveled in convoy on the route and an MI-17 chopper flew over them.
There is no doubt that the ground vehicle is being utilized and repaired, but the airplane would present difficulties. They attempted to pilot a Black Hawk aircraft last month and crashed into a surrounding air force base. It demonstrates that they were making every effort to fly them.
Who’s going to fix these planes?
China, a highly industrialized country, and Pakistan, which are neighbors of Afghanistan, work to promote the country’s economic development. There is also talk of constructing rail and road connectivity to allow access to the middle east via Afghanistan.
The Taliban held a military parade to celebrate the first anniversary of the withdrawal of NATO forces from #Afghanistan (??).
Multiple helicopters participated in the parade. The Taliban has at least:
– 8 MD-530F
– 1 HAL Cheetah
– 4 UH-60A (Blackhawk)
– 4 Mi-24V
– 6 Mi-17 pic.twitter.com/zbjnggWygX— Aerospace Intelligence (@space_osint) August 31, 2022
Only MI-17 airplanes are flown by the Taliban; the majority of aircraft are grounded since they can’t be repaired. There is a very good likelihood that China will gain access to these devices. And the Chinese version of them will undoubtedly be flown once more. the most crucial technology has really been mismanaged by the United States. Even they built the Taliban a small air force.
Only a small number of aircraft can be fixed, while others need intricately constructed instruments and control panels. The UH Black Hawk is the most important helicopter that is used by the Navy and Airforce in the United States and has crucial designs that probably can be fixed by the Chinese. Pakistan uses the MI17 helicopter there so that they may get assistance to operate it back and further that parts would be accessible.
If the US does not take back this helicopter, then these will be built using reverse engineering and rebuilt in a newer version from Chinese manufacturers. This aircraft engine can be repaired with an alternative one and the instrument panels that are needed for the aircraft’s control can also be arranged.
According to the most recent report, the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan is reforming. They may return with new armed forces and be able to guide the country toward US-supported military equipment in the area.
The aircraft’s condition right now
As the Taliban celebrates one year of independence from the United States in Afghanistan, they put on a large parade and displayed an army unit as well as artillery, weaponry, and a helicopter.
According to the video, the Taliban currently have six flight-ready aircraft and 21 operating helicopters. The Mi17 helicopter, which took part in the parade at the Bagram Airbase, was one of them.
Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States dispatched this helicopter to the country in January for repair. Taliban currently operates 27 MI helicopters, only a few of which are ready for flight and were on show at the parade.
The Afghan air force engineering team has fixed these helicopters, according to a Taliban official, and they are now operational.
The footage shows numerous Mi 17 and MI 24 helicopters flying, as well as the surprisingly rare MD 530 helicopter, which was also on flying display.
The UK will donate £2.5 million to help save lives, and even China and India are on the verge of doing the same for Afghanistan. According to the most recent information, Afghanistan is progressively assuming leadership and stabilizing the nation.
Thanks to #US Government, especially President Joe Biden, #Taliban terrorists have now at-least 21 operational helicopters & six airworthy aircraft! Some of them including these six Mi-17V-5 helicopters participated in Taliban's parade at #Bagram Air Base, #Afghanistan today! pic.twitter.com/Gn6jWeJE2Y
— Babak Taghvaee – The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) August 31, 2022
As the Taliban completes its 1 year of freedom of Afghanistan from the United states they show a heavy parade and demonstrated the armed force battalion and as well the artillery, weapons, and as well as helicopter.
As per the footage now Taliban have 21 operational helicopters and six airworthy aircraft. some of them included the Mi17 helicopter which participated in the parade at the Bagram Airbase.
last January United states sent this helicopter to Ukraine for maintenance before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. as of now Taliban using 27 MI helicopters out of that few are ready for flying which the displayed in the parade.
According to the Taliban official, the Afghan airforce engineering team has fixed these helicopters and is operational now. as per the footage, we can see several Mi 17 and MI24 helicopters flying and as well MD 530 helicopter flying which is really surprising.
Further, China is also approaching Afghanistan to set up a transport corridor with Afghanistan and it also tries to help in reestablishing the armed forces’ defense. but still the initiation not be aware as per the official statement.
Comment below with your opinions regarding American aircraft in Afghanistan.
Aerospace
India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.
Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.
For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.
Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.
FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.
Aerospace
Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.
C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders
COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.
Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.
During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.
He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.
Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.
Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements
The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.
Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.
In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.
Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.
Aerospace
Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.
Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.
This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.
At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.
Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.
Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
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