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Dispatches from Afghanistan

International Interoperability: United They Fly

By Madonna Walsh, Boeing Defence UK Communications

Back to Dispatches from Afghanistan

Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan is home to 35 nations taking part in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and the United Kingdom plays a significant role.

The Apaches, C-17s and Chinooks of ISAF's Aviation Task Group draw strength from their interoperability. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts by working together.

Canadian s latest acquisition of four Chinooks will contribute to the International Security Assistance Force missions in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. (Neg#: MSF09-0077-03)
Canadian's latest acquisition of four Chinooks will contribute to the International Security Assistance Force missions in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. (Madonna Walsh photo)
"We can talk to each other, we can work with each other, we can exchange components, dovetail operations to minimize the number of people on the ground," said UK Group Capt. Andy Turner, Commander Joint Aviation Group Afghanistan.

"It's not uncommon for Dutch Apaches to support American or British casualty evacuation missions, or our Chinooks resupplying British troops at forward operating bases. Flexibility is important," said Col. Bas Pellemans, Commander Dutch Air Task Forces at Kandahar and Tarin Kowit.

The international mix of forces brings some complexity to operations. One mission might involve putting Afghan army troops in the back of a UK aircraft; another might involve flying night tactical formations with Australian Chinooks protected by Dutch Apaches with U.S. fixed wing assets flying above, UK Predators flying higher still.

The Australian flag hands proudly over the shoulder of Col. Peter Steel as he talks about the Australian role in the region. (Neg#: MSF09-0077-04)
The Australian flag hands proudly over the shoulder of Col. Peter Steel as he talks about the Australian role in the region. (Madonna Walsh photo)

"It can be immensely complicated, but it's something which has been built up over time," said Turner. "It's founded in NATO doctrine and principles, which means we understand the way each other talks and our radios link to each other easily. We've exercised for the last 50 years together."

Australian Commanding Officer Peter Steel agrees. "Often a single sortie can involve multiple aircraft from a half dozen countries," he said. "But we've come to rely on each other and most importantly, the soldiers on the ground rely on us. They know that we will be there when they need us."