The Afghan Air Force Relies On Unguided Bombs

© Flickr/ US Air Force

Sputnik: As Afghanistan Ramps Up Airstrikes, Air Force Relies on Unguided Bomb

The Afghan military has increased its airstrikes against the Taliban over this year, but civilian casualties are an increasing concern, given that the air force relies on unguided, or "dumb," bombs.

Earlier this year, Afghanistan received four A-29 Super Tucano turboprop aircraft from the United States. Intended to boost the Afghan Air Force’s efforts against the Taliban, the new fighters have carried out over 260 air raids to date. Last month, airstrikes carried out in Kandahar province killed 15 militants.

With four additional A-29’s preparing to enter service, as well as a fleet of US-provided MD-530 helicopters, concerns are rising about the Afghan military’s reliance on "dumb" bombs that lack appropriate targeting technology.

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WNU Editor: The Afghan air force has been busy .... A-29 Ground Attack Planes Tally More Than 260 Sorties in Afghanistan (Military.com).

Update: This is interesting .... Here's how the fledgling Afghan Air Force is training to take on Al Qaeda and the Taliban (Business Insider).