Became A4O-DE.

An (at that time) unusual dark grey C-130J-30 of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The RAAF started to repaint their twelve fleet strong C-130Js in 2007, and had finished the repainting programme by August 2017. The C-130J was first introduced into RAAF service in 1999, featuring a light grey camouflage scheme. The current two-tone dark grey scheme was introduced in 2007, reflecting the Hercules' shifting focus to tactical airlift operations. The dozen Js are flown by 37 Squadron out of RAAF Base Richmond.

A Sikorsky S-61A, once designated in Royal Canadian Air Force service as CHSS-2 pre 1970, and post 1970 as CH-124A, is seen here parked at Minhad (UAE). The Sea King belonged to HS 406 as can be seen by the large badge on the front end of the engine bay. The squadron sports a jumping Lynx in its badge and has the motto "We kill by Night". The whole mighty Sea King fleet of the RCAF were eventually phased out in December 2018. The current (2019) whereabouts of this 406 is not known.

The Transport Wing of the UAEAF is based at Abu Dhabi/ Dubai International Airport. The wing commands 4 squadron (also named the C-130 squadron) and is operating with L-100s, C-130Hs, C-130H-30, C-130Js as well as the CN235, C295 and the huge C-17A. This 1217 is former ZS-JIY and was seen at the Safair paintshop at Johannesburg when it received an UAEAF paint scheme in October 2009.

Where there is war... the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is present. They fly a massive mixed fleet of leased aircraft, often South African registered. This Beech 1900 is one of them, clearly marked with a red cross, so no opposing forces with bad intentions could mix up this aircraft with a military aircraft. In that way, one hopes that the ICRC aircraft will not be shot by surface-to-air fires.

The Dutch government needed additional transport capability for their troops during their long-lasting deployment to Afghanistan. So they leased this specially modified Dash 7 from the Canadian company Voyageur Airways. The aircraft was modified with self protection measures (chaff, flare, radar warning receivers) so it could transport personnel and freight more safely between the Dutch deployment locations over the war-torn Afghanistan.

The tiltrotor was first deployed to Afghanistan in November 2009 with VMM-261 "Raging Bulls" and saw its first offensive combat mission during Operation Cobra Anger on 4 December 2009. Only a few months later, this picture was made at Kandahar when one of the Ranging Bulls Osprey's dropped of some high ranking military at the massive coalition base.

Operations like Enduring Freedom need a enormous amount of support, that many that even the military have less aircraft available. So many civilian operators of transport aircraft, especially those who are willing to fly at any moment to any location (war of not), take their benefits out of it. Trans Avia Export is one of these company's. On an average day at Kandahar during OEF, many Il-76s from many different company's were seen.

This former AH-64A (serial 86-08941) was thoroughly modified into AH-64D. Because of the massive modification, a new serial was applied. The attack helicopter is seen here after it returned from a combat mission over Uruzgan (Afghanistan) were it gave armed support to two CH-47F Chinooks.

The new Foxtrot Chinooks are a welcome variation in all green US Army helicopters. The 82nd Aviation Regiment were deployed to war-torn Afghanistan in 2010. They sport a nice Dolphin on their tail.

In a war environment Medical Evacuation (MedEvac) is often necessary. Some UH-60s are assigned to this duty, and they received a red cross on their doors. In this way, during combat evacuations, the military are hoping they will not receive enemy ground-to-air fires on their helicopter. In a worldwide gentlemen agreement, fighting forces will not attack machines of buildings with these markings. Unfortunately... for some rebel and opposing forces it doesn't matter at all. This old UH-60A was seen during its take-off for another MedEvac mission from deployment location Kandahar.

Chinooks are a real workhorse, especially in combat environments. They are used for a broad range of missions. The standard US Army Helicopter Drab colour (FS34031) is on the CH-47Fs changed into Woodland Desert Sage (FS34201). This colour is tactical seen, much better in a desert environment. The 82nd Aviation Regiment deployed their Chinooks early 2010 to Kandahar.

The serials of US Army UH-60s are so difficult to read, so maintenance high lighted the last three of the serial. In that way, pilots can more simply find the helicopter on the flight line that they are going to fly.