First part for the crew is done, launching their Mirage 2000Ds, now they have to wait for their return. 671, equipped with TALIOS and GBUs is taxying to the runway from its shelter location.

This Hercules was sold to Poland as 1513 in mid-2023. It was moved to OGMA Alverca in Portugal for modification in late 2023. By the time of this photo upload, it was not yet reported as a Polish aircraft. One One Eight Five is here seen in front of the war-damaged hangar at the main platform of Kandahar. The aircraft just start-up its engines and will leave soon.

This Apache of 301sq Redskins arrived at homebase Gilze Rijen on 13 February 2002. FMS serial 98-0119 was delivered to the Koninklijke Luchtmacht on 24 April 2001 and assigned to Fort Hood (Texas) for training. Q-19 was deployed with the 1st NLD ATF in Afghanistan in 2008. It was based during that deployed at Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan. It is here seen being towed from its shelter for another mission. Q-19 also served the Apache Solo Display Team in a partly orange colour scheme in 2010.

Leaving its shelter at Kandahar, clearly visible is the Targeting Long-range Identification Optronic System (TALIOS) pod. This one was used during the deployment to support Rafales, that lacked that sensor at that moment.

Former Boeing test registration N37033, It was delivered as a HC1 to the RAF on 30 Aug'81 (with c/n MA016). Converted to HC2 (with c/n M7006). The Chinook was damaged on 25 Nov'99 during a crash in Oman, 5 miles south of Seeb IAP during night training mission with Special Forces. It was flown back to Brize Norton on 13 Dec'99 aboard an An-124 (RA-82046). It was repaired at Fleetlands using parts of former Argentinian Army CH-47C ZH257. Converted to HC4 by Vector Aerospace Ltd at Fleetlands by early '14 and to HC-6A by Boeing at Boscombe Down by mid-'19. Seen here in late afternoon at Kandahar.

Delivered to the US Army as AH-64A 87-00433, converted to AH-64D and received new serial 00-05182. It was then accepted on 15 May 2001. Seen here returning from a combat mission without Hellfires and Hydra rockets. Someone in the field had a bad day...

Although it shows Il-76TD on the nose section, our Soviet Transports database reports this aircraft as just a Il-76T. This monster, pictured during a fast take-off from Kandahar, is former Iraqi Air Force YI-AKV, delivered on 18 May'81. It then was registered CCCP-78731 and RA-78731. Became EP-TPS, returned to RA-78731. Became EX-046, UN-76022, UP-I7618, UR-CPS, EX-76011 and eventually ST-JAN. The Il-76T crashed on 21 Oct'24 after it was shot down by missiles near Al Malha, North Darfur by Rapid Support Forces fighters on a flight from El Fasher, killing all five crew onboard.

This South African L-100 Hercules was in use by Dutch forces during their operations in and over Afghanistan. The Safair Hercules was leased to the Netherlands for tactical transport duties. When needed, the civvie Herc was also used by other coalition nations. Here it is seen from from above, quite unique!

Preserved at one of the gates of Kandahar, normally not accessible for deployed military. But while sitting on the open ramp of a Chinook, returning from Uruzgan, much can be pictured at such non accessible places.

FMS serial 98-0114 was delivered to the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) on 28 July 2000. Initially to Fort Hood (TX), then moved to 301sq at Gilze Rijen. It is here seen worn and torn while operating out of Tarin Kowt, Urzugan, assigned to the 1st NLD Air Task Force ISAF, Afghanistan.

Once a Soviet AF An-12PP with ogival tail cone, delivered as such in 1970. Modified to freighter and moved as a An-12BK to the Ukraine AF in 1993 (as red 71). It became civil RA-11301 with Antey on 26 Jun'96, TASCO on 16 Oct'98, President Airlines on 9 Oct'99. Sold as LZ-ITD with Inter Trans Air on 11 May'00, returned as XU-355 with President Airlines on 19 Sep'00. Seen as 4R-AIA on 19 Mar'02 in the UAE. It became EX-042 with Click Airways on 8 Jul'06. The company reregistered the freighter to EY-403 in 2007. It was sold to Asia Airways on 23 Dec'08. Last seen in poor state at Sharjah Nov'23.

Departing together with some Rafales to a war zone. Equipped large fule tanks to extend the range, as well as a laser designator in support of the Rafales. The 2000D also carries some guided bombs underneath the wings.

This Mi-24P was new built and was rolled out on 24 Apr'85. It was delivered to the V-VS and then to Ukraine. To Sri Lanka as SAH-4416 on 9 Oct'01 and assigned to No.09 Attack Helicopter Squadron "Instantly, Surprise". The HIND was reserialled to SAH-636 by Mar'12. The Mi-24P made its last flight on 17 Nov'09, made a last ground run on 14 Jul'14 and was withdrawn from use with only 2002:43 logged flight hours. Possibly it will be made airworthy again in the future. But the attack role of the type is not necessary anymore in the current SLAF doctrine. Pictured during a superb 4Aviation tour.

This Mi-24P was new built and was rolled out on 28 May 1986. It was delivered to the V-VS and Ukraine. As one of six to Sri Lanka as SAH-4411 on 16 Jan'01 and assigned to No.09 Attack Helicopter Squadron "Instantly, Surprise". The HIND was reserialled to SAH-633 by Mar'12. The Mi-24P made its last flight on 17 Nov'09, made a last ground run on 21 Mar'13 and was withdrawn from use with only 1692:54 logged flight hours. Possibly it will be made airworthy again in the future. But the attack role of the type is not necessary anymore in the current SLAF doctrine. Pictured during a 4Aviation tour.

This Mi-35P was new built (line number 04-09) and was rolled out on 29 Jun'98. It was delivered as SAH-4404 to Sri Lanka on 17 Jul'98 and assigned to No.09 Attack Helicopter Squadron "Instantly, Surprise". The HIND was reserialled to SAH-623 by Mar'12. The attack helicopter made its last flight on 23 May 2014, made a last ground run on 28 May'14 and was withdrawn from use with only 1481:14 logged flight hours. Possibly it will be made airworthy again in the future. But the attack role of the type is not necessary anymore in the current SLAF doctrine. Pictured during a 4Aviation tour

This new built Mi-35V was rolled out on 24 Jun'98. It was delivered as SAH-4402 to Sri Lanka on 16 Jul'98 and assigned to No.09 Attack Helicopter Squadron "Instantly, Surprise". The HIND was reserialled to SAH-621 by Mar'12. The attack helicopter made its last flight on 30 Jan'14, made a last ground run on 5 Feb'14 and was withdrawn from use with only 1190:15 logged flight hours. Possibly it will be made airworthy again in the future. But the attack role of the type is not necessary anymore in the current SLAF doctrine. Pictured during an excellent 4Aviation tour to the base.

Operated by 1 Flying Training Wing from SLAF base China Bay. The unit is expected two new additions soon, one surplus Royal Australian Air Force Beech 350i and a brand-new Beechcraft -Textron 360ER. This Beech 200 will become a trainer from that moment. During a fine 4Aviation tour to the base, the sole Beech of the SLAF made a demonstration flight for us.