The Helicopter War In Afghanistan

RAF Chinooks are a vital part of the support helicopter fleet, providing much-needed capability in tough operating conditions. Photograph: Defence Image Library.

Afghanistan War: Why Helicopters Are Critical To US And NATO Forces -- Christian Science Monitor

Helicopters are more important to the US and NATO counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan than they were in Iraq. By December, there will be nearly 10 times more choppers in the south than nine months ago.

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan - In one of the worst chapters of their casualty-marred deployment in Afghanistan, Canadian forces earlier this year lost 10 soldiers in 90 days to improvised bombs on one stretch of highway in Kandahar province.

Then a US Army helicopter crew stalking Taliban insurgents who plant bombs at night spotted a five-man team, watched the insurgents through sophisticated optical gear until it was certain that's what the men were doing and got permission to kill them.

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Update: Can U.S. provide enough helicopters to fight Afghan war? -- McClatchy News

My Comment: The biggest fear among the brass in Afghanistan is the worry that one day the Taliban may start to get a steady supply of anti-aircraft missiles. During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, the dynamics of the war completely changed on the day that the Mujaheddin started to get a regular supply of stinger missiles. The same can be said about today's conflict.