Radar transfer improves air operations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Flying into and out of Kabul and Bagram Air Base became safer because of the transfer of a radar to Kabul from Karshi-Khanabad AB in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan.

U.S. Central Command Air Forces leaders chose to move the radar to Kabul when operations at “K-2” ended.

“This site will give us better radar control in the area around Kabul and Bagram,” said Brig. Gen. Bruce Burda, the Combined Joint Task Force 76 Air Component Coordination Element director. “It will also provide a precision-approach capability for our military aircraft, greatly increasing our operational flexibility.”

Airspace control will be more seamless between en route, approach and tower controls, said General Burda, who is also the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “In addition, the radar approaches will allow us to take off and land with limited visibility, increasing our ability to support combat operations around the country.”

During poor weather and Afghanistan winters, the radar will help (contribute to) safe operations in and out of the area,” said British Group Capt. Ken Burgess, the senior International Security Assistance Force liaison officer.

The decision to locate the radar at Kabul was based on the amount of military and civilian air transportation that flies from the two fields, officials said.

“Kabul is a hub for a great deal of air transport and serves both the International Security Assistance Force and Operation Enduring Freedom missions,” Group Captain Burgess said.

“[We are] excited and pleased to provide this additional capability that will benefit both military and civil flights coming in and out of Afghanistan,” General Burda said.